New Zealand has passed into law a unique plan to phase out tobacco smoking for the next generation by imposing a lifetime ban on young people buying cigarettes.
Tobacco may never be sold to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.
"We want to make sure young people never start smoking," Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verall said.
The move is part of a sweeping crackdown on smoking announced by New Zealand's health ministry.
“Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives and the health system will be $5-billion better off from not needing to treat the illnesses caused by smoking, such as numerous types of cancer, heart attacks, strokes, amputations,” Verrall said at the law’s passing.