Australian Interest in Maori Tobacco Study

Source from:  NZCit 09/30/2009

A planned inquiry into the effects of smoking on Maori has attracted international interest. Maori party MP Hone Harawira says Australian researchers have offered their support to the four month inquiry, which will be carried out next year. He says the investigation will gather information from cancer patients and families, health researchers, tobacco companies and government agencies. "We're using the Maori angle to go at the tobacco companies. We're not just doing it for Maori. We believe that getting rid of tobacco companies in this country will be of benefit to the whole of New Zealand." Mr Harawira hopes the study will lead to a smoke-free country. Enditem