Health reporter Martin Johnston begins a series on the state of smoking in New Zealand and efforts to reduce it.
Fraser Kearns is among the rising number of teenagers who have never smoked a cigarette. Not one puff.
But the 14-year-old from Mt Albert in Auckland reckons he will probably give smoking a try one day.
"I think most kids will want to know what every experience is like. Quite a few of my friends have tried it."
Two other Mt Albert boys, Matthew Turner and Adam Eynon-Richards, both 14, likewise say that although they have never tried smoking, they may in future.
"Because of curiosity," said Matthew. Added Adam: "To see what it's like."
All three report receiving comprehensive information at their schools about the dangers of smoking - but being told of the risk of developing lung cancer or heart disease seems insufficient to put them off tobacco for life.
"I don't think any amount of warnings is going to stop you," Fraser said.
But, in a comment that suggests the Government may be on the right track with its shocking warnings on tobacco packets which graphically depict body parts damaged by smoking, Fraser said seeing the effects of smoking first-hand might have more impact on teenagers than hearing about them.
Matthew reckoned that having a friend die of smoking-related disease would put him off smoking for good.
He said his grandmother was treated last year for lung cancer and before that, his grandfather was treated for throat cancer.
The Government is under pressure to ban retail displays of tobacco - in order to reinforce the idea that it is an abnormal product, to kill tobacco brand power, and to discourage impulse purchases.
Matthew, who was aware of the "massive shelves" of cigarettes in many shops, said banning displays might be worthwhile "because kids might think there's no smokes".
Increasing the tobacco tax to discourage smoking also generated some support.
Adam, who was surprised a 25- cigarette packet of some brands costs nearly $15, said a tax hike would be "pretty good. But it might be hard for the older people addicted to smoking."
