16 Apr 2014

Cigarette art work sparks debate

9:18 pm on 16 April 2014

Colourful artworks and suggested packaging for plain pack tobacco have sparked a debate at Parliament about the rights of children to express their opinions.

Cigarette packaging done by teen mothers in Gisborne, a region with the highest rate of smoking according to the 2011 census.

Cigarette packaging done by teen mothers in Gisborne, a region with the highest rate of smoking according to the 2011 census. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson

The artwork by schoolchildren and packaging by teenage mothers were part of the first hearings on plain packing for tobacco being held by Parliament's Health Committee on Wednesday.

Before the hearings had even started, the committee was accused of exploitation by the Association of Convenience Stores, for allowing children's artwork to be displayed.

The committee chair, National MP Paul Hutchison, asked Plunket policy analyst Clare Trainer what she thought of those criticisms.

She said children, as well as adults, have the right to freedom of expression. "They're citizens - yes, they're unable to vote but certainly their views are extremely important.

The Association of Retail Grocers told the committee plain packaging could lead to illicit trading in cigarettes, as fake packaging would be easier to reproduce.