Nearly half of Maori mothers giving birth are smokers, dooming Maori to continued poor health.
According to Hawke's Bay District Health Board figures, the non-Maori and non-Pacific smoking rate of mothers is 11 per cent, compared with 46 per cent for Maori. Of Maori women aged 20-29, 49 per cent smoke.
Board chairman Kevin Snee said though Statistics NZ figures showed Bay smoking rates had reduced there was no real reduction in Maori mothers' rates since 2007.
"Smoking during pregnancy affects the growth and development of the baby and can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight," he said.
"Exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy, asthma attacks, chest infections, and glue ear in children."