Fewer Maori smoking

New figures show the number of Maori smokers has dropped by around 16,000, but Associate Health Minister Mita Ririnui says that is no reason to be complacent.

Around 171,000 Maori were smoking in 2002. Now 155,000 over the age of 15 classify themselves as smokers.

Mr Ririnui says that shows Maori have either given up, or the younger generation has decided not to start. He says the data also shows Maori smoking rates are coming down faster than the rest of the population, but Maori need to ensure that is not a one-off event.

Mr Ririnui says attitudes to smoking must change, so that a smoke-free lifestyle is the norm.

- NEWSTALK ZB