'Getting rid of tobacco...that's the key': strong feelings of Pacific policymakers in New Zealand about tobacco, and smoking around children.

AIM

To further explore the views of New Zealand-based Pacific policymakers on smoking in general, smoking in public and private spaces, and smoking around children.

METHODS

Key informants (n = 18) were recruited and interviewed by Pacific interviewers during May-October 2008, in person or by phone.

RESULTS

The interviews revealed a great depth of feeling about smoking in general, smoking in public places, and smoking around children. There was considerable variance of opinion on the extent to which smokefree areas should be extended, with some informants reluctant to interfere with smokers' "choices" There was a general consensus that adults' right to smoke should be limited by social and ethical responsibilities to children.

CONCLUSIONS

The strong feelings found in favour of tobacco control by some of the interviewees is notable. Mobilising such feelings may help facilitate further progress for advancing tobacco control for Pacific communities in New Zealand and for assisting tobacco control in other South Pacific island nations.