The Centre for Tobacco Control Research at the Auckland University of Technology is pushing for more tax increases on cigarettes.
This is despite its own research showing only 3% of Maori and Pacific Island smokers have permanently given up since a series of price rises began.
A third tax rise on tobacco, introduced by the National-led Government to encourage people to quit smoking, took effect on Sunday.
The price of a packet of 20 cigarettes is now about $14, while a pouch of loose tobacco is about $31.
The centre's director, Marewa Glover, says price increases are effective in deterring some groups from smoking.
"I think that it does work to help people who are financially stressed to begin with, and it also helps prevent uptake among younger people -
they're price sensitive."
Ms Glover says additional support needs to accompany any price change, including greater access to Quitline and nicotine-replacement products.
