When it comes to stubbing out smoking, New Zealand can learn a lot from its trans-Tasman neighbour, anti-tobacco campaigners say.
Australia has managed to reduce smoking rates to well below 20 percent with a range of tough measures including removing cigarette signage and advertising, and enforcing smoke-free cars carrying children.
It will go a step further with the introduction of logo-free cigarette packets next year.
Public health specialist Professor Richard Edwards from the University of Otago, says New Zealand which still has rates around 20 percent, needs to learn from Australia's example if it's to go tobacco free by 2025.
He heads a newly-formed group ASPIRE 2025, which aims to support and campaign on what the government has deemed as "aspirational goal" to bin cigarettes as a nation.
The group will host a seminar this week headlining Australia's most active anti-tobacco lobby group ASH Australia, which was fundamental in pushing through the country's tobacco law reforms.
New Zealand will follow Australia by removing tobacco displays in shops in July 2012.
NZN