Te Pāti Māori's co-leader has accused the new government of "deliberate .. systemic genocide" over its policies to roll back the smokefree policy and the Māori Health Authority.

Tad hysterical, don’t you think?

College of Public Health Medicine president Sir Collin Tukuitonga has said the reversal of the smokefree amendments would result in about 1000 extra deaths over the next decade, mostly Māori, and cost the health system $1.3 billion.

Calling that a “genocide” is a bit ridiculous.

  • ∟⊔⊤∦∣≶@lemmy.nz
    41·
    7 months ago

    It is ridiculous. Both reversing the amendments and calling it genocide.

    I wish Te Pati and the left in general would be a little less hyperbolic.

    • Ilovethebomb@lemmy.nzOP
      45·
      7 months ago

      I’ve said this before on here, but this is a law I never really felt comfortable with, creating a situation where one adult can legally buy cigarettes, and one can’t.

      I do like the idea of tobacco products only being sold at specialist retailers though.

      • the_q@lemmy.world
        7·
        7 months ago

        They shouldn’t be sold anywhere. It’s literally a business based on addiction and harm.

      • ∟⊔⊤∦∣≶@lemmy.nz
        2·
        7 months ago

        Although I haven’t smoked a cigar for over a decade, I do appreciate having the option to buy a genuine Cuban cigar.

        Definitely in support of removing combustible tobacco products though.