Doctors, nurses and opposition MPs gathered in central Christchurch today with a clear message to the Government over its decision to repeal smoke-free legislation.

New laws would have banned the sale of tobacco to anyone born from January 1 2009, cut the number of retailers allowed and restrict the amount of nicotine allowed in cigarettes.

At the rally Vape Free Kids NZ spokeswoman Anna Stewart said “as a parent, it terrifies me that we’re making smoking a thing again. We were so close to getting rid of it.”

Former Health Minister Ayesha Verrall said “smoking is the leading cause of death. And it is one of the worst causes of people having such miserable suffering.

“They (the Goverment) didn’t campaign on it, and so we can only conclude this was a result of the dirty deal done behind closed doors.”

Prime Minister Christopher luxon says his new government is deeply committed to reducing smoking rates in New Zealand.