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New Zealand Repeals 'Generational Smoking Ban'   New Zealand's new government has repealed a "world first" law that would have banned people born after 2008 from ever buying cigarettes. The law was introduced by the previous government, led by Jacinda Ardern. But her replacement, Christopher Luxon, has repealed it before it even came into effect. The decision has been criticized by many as a step backward. Luxon included this among his aims for his coalition's first 100 days in office, and it was one of a number of changes that the government made to the law. The government described some of the content of the previous law as "prohibition-style amendments." As well as banning anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, from buying tobacco products, it included a measure that reduced the number of retailers that could sell these products. The idea was to create a "smoke-free generation" and help to save thousands of lives. But these rules have gone up in smoke, and many campaigners and experts are shocked and unhappy. Lisa Te Morenga from the anti-smoking group Health Coalition Aotearoa said: "This is a major loss for public health, and a huge win for the tobacco industry whose profits will be boosted at the expense of Kiwi lives." Indigenous New Zealanders may be the ones most affected by the repeal of the law, say campaigners.Smoking rates among the Māori and Pasifika — people originally from the Pacific islands — populations are much higher than the average. In a 2023 study, the Tobacco Control group said that the laws would have helped to reduce health inequality between Māori and non-Māori people.  Luxon, and other supporters of the repeal, argued that a generational ban would lead to a black market for cigarettes. They also said that it would fund tax cuts. However, Māori Public Health told NPR: "The new government is more worried about the profit you can make off tobacco than our lives." Questions 1. What are your thoughts on New Zealand repealing its tobacco ban? 2. Would you support a complete ban on tobacco in your country? 3. Do you smoke? If so, when did you start? If not, do you know a lot of smokers? 4. Do you know anyone who has given up smoking? 5. How popular is vaping where you live? Why do you think that is? 6. Have you ever tried to quit a habit because someone asked you to? How did it go? 7. Do you think people should have the freedom to choose unhealthy habits, or should the government step in to protect public health?8. Besides the smoking ban, what’s the most unusual law you’ve heard of? Do you think it was effective?