The rate of smoking in New Zealand is continuing to decline, according to a Ministry of Health study.
The Tobacco Use Survey found that 21.8% of 15 to 64-year-olds smoked in 2009, which is 2% lower than in 2008.
Ministry of Health acting Deputy Director-General, Dr Ashley Bloomfield, says each drop of 1% represents 30,000 fewer people smoking.
The youth smoking rate also decreased, falling from about 21% to 18%.
Associate Minister of Health Tariana Turia says there still is a great deal of work to do, especially among Maori and Pacific families.
