New Zealand became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on February 27, 2005.

Smoke Free Places: Smoking is prohibited in indoor workplaces and indoor public places with very limited exceptions. Smoking is also generally prohibited on all public transportation, with limited exceptions. There are also limited restrictions on smoking in outdoor places, namely in outdoor areas of schools and early childhood education centers. Sub-national jurisdictions may enact smoke free laws that are more stringent than the national law, provided they do not conflict with national law.

Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship: There is a near comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion, including a ban on the display of all tobacco products at points of sale. There are some restrictions on tobacco sponsorship and the publicity of such sponsorship.

Tobacco Packaging and Labeling: Standardized (plain) packaging is required for all tobacco products. Packaging must be a standard color, size, and shape and may only contain specified information and the prescribed health warnings in a standard font. On cigarettes, a pictorial health warning in English must cover 75 percent of the front of the package; a pictorial health warning in English and te reo Maori and the Quitline logo must cover 100 percent of the back of the package; and an additional warning must occupy one side of the package. Health warning requirements vary for other tobacco products.

Tobacco Taxation and Prices: The World Health Organization recommends raising tobacco excise taxes so that they account for at least 70 percent of retail prices. Tobacco excise taxes in New Zealand meet these recommendations.