A security officer sacked for leaving his company's building unattended to go for a smoke lost his bid for compensation.

Former Gisborne man Willie Rare could tomorrow be sentenced to up to 12 years in a Bali jail after admitting to a charge of possessing cocaine. He also admitted to buying a "bong" for smoking marijuana from the same people who sold him the

Roll-your-own cigarettes may be more addictive than factory-mades, a study has suggested.

Smoking could 'virtually disappear' in NZ and many other developed countries within half a century, according to research.

Smokers wanting to quit have flooded the Quitline call centre with enquiries, following a 10 per cent increase in the price of cigarettes which came into force on January 1.

The Australian island state, which already has some of the world's strictest anti-smoking laws, is considering banning tobacco altogether.

Spain has become the latest country to pass an anti-smoking law for its eateries.

The first results from a study of 7000 Auckland and Waikato babies shows that 11 per cent of women smoke throughout their pregnancies.

A $5 million a year study has found that 40 per cent of the babies born in Auckland and the Waikato in the past year were "accidents".

The minister responsible for tobacco control, Tariana Turia, wants smoking banned in cars and will push for other tough anti-smoking policies.

Tobacco products are to be hidden and anti-smoking officers will get powers to instantly fine shops under new Govt measures.

There is no evidence of a spike in tobacco-related crime due to price increases, and claims of potential organised crime are being overblown, says Maori affairs select committee chairman Tau Henare.

A select committee is demanding a radical tightening of tobacco laws, including fines of up to $10k for sales to minors.

Growing numbers of local authorities in Britain are forcing their staff to 'clock out' every time they take a cigarette break.