It's billed as the test to scare smokers into quitting, but now some public health groups say it may encourage some to keep on puffing.

Higher tobacco taxes are a first step to reducing numbers of smokers. Martin Johnston looks at what else could be on the cards.

MPs probing the tobacco industry got personal with the family of a Maori smoking victim describing the impact of his addiction and death.

Just under 50 per cent of Maori women smoke, compared to 20 per cent for the whole population aged 15 to 64.