A Radio New Zealand investigation found black market cigarettes widely sold in Auckland without mandated health warnings, often at prices as low as NZ$13 ($7.67) per pack—less than a third of legal products. Under New Zealand law, tobacco packaging must carry graphic health warnings covering at least 75% of the pack, but most illicit products lack these labels, making enforcement more difficult for authorities.
Public health experts say the absence of warnings and lower prices are undermining efforts to reduce smoking, particularly among low-income groups and young people. Officials note that non-compliant packaging is a key indicator used to identify illegal products, while penalties for violations include fines of up to NZ$600,000 ($354,000) for manufacturers and prison terms or fines for retailers.