Interaction of public policy advocacy and research in the passage of New Zealand's Smoke-free Environments Act 1990.

Abstract

This paper examines the public policy campaign that led up to the passage of New Zealand's Smoke-free Environment Act 1990, arguably the toughest tobacco control legislation in the world, focusing on the critical interaction between advocacy and research. The paper argues that had it not been for the Toxic Substances Board Report and the publicity it received, it is doubtful that the Smoke-free Environments Act would have been enacted. The tobacco industry catch cry that ad bans don't work, largely fell on deaf ears because of the Toxic Substances Board Report's findings, and the public health advocate's ability to refer to an authoritative Department of Health document.