The International Tobacco Control (ITC) Policy Evaluation Survey 2006-2010 - New Zealand Arm, Department of Public Health

For the current study see ITC 2016 - 2018

About us

The International Tobacco Control (ITC) Policy Evaluation Survey is a multi-country study that included a New Zealand arm (2006-2010). The New Zealand arm arose from an initiative of the National Heart Foundation to bring Professor Mike Cummings (Roswell Park Cancer Institute, USA) to New Zealand and meet with health workers here. Funding for the project officially ended in August 2010.

Report summarising the research outputs from the Project

Article about the project, taken from the University of Otago publication He Kitenga 2006

Publications

Journal articles

Wilson N, Thomson G, Edwards R, Gifford H. Smokefree cars to protect children and denormalise smoking: a mini-review of New Zealand literature. N Z Med J 2012;125(1355):81-86.

Edwards R, Wilson N, Peace J, Weerasekera D, Thomson GW, Gifford H. Support for a tobacco endgame and increased regulation of the tobacco industry among New Zealand smokers: results from a National Survey. Tob Control 2012 [E-publication 25 April]. [Abstract]

Young D, Yong HH, Borland RM, Shahab L, Hammond D, Cummings M, Wilson N. Trends in Roll-Your-Own (RYO) smoking: Findings from the ITC Four Country Survey (2002-2008). J Environmental Public Health 2012; vol 2012:Article ID 406283 [e-Publication 14 May]

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Kahler CW, Borland R, Edwards R. Hazardous patterns of alcohol use are relatively common in smokers: ITC Project (New Zealand). N Z Med J 2012;125(1348):34-41. [Abstract]

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Peace J, Edwards R. Smokers have varying misperceptions about the harmfulness of menthol cigarettes: national survey data. Aust N Z J Public Health 2011;35:364-7. [Abstract].

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Collings S, Edwards R, van der Deen FS. Poorer mental health in many New Zealand smokers: National survey data from the ITC Project.N Z Med J 2010;123(1326):129-132. [Abstract].

Young D, Wilson N, Borland R, Edwards R, Weerasekera D. Prevalence, correlates of, and reasons for using roll-your-own tobacco (RYO) in a high RYO use country: Findings from the ITC New Zealand Survey. Nicotine Tob Res 2010;12:1089-1098. [Abstract].

Thomson G, Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Edwards R. Strong smoker interest in 'setting example to children' by quitting: national survey data. Aust N Z J Public Health 2011;35:81-4. [Abstract]

Thomson G, Wilson N, Blakely T, Edwards R. Ending appreciable tobacco use in a nation: Using a sinking lid on supply. Tob Control 2010;19:431-435. [Abstract].

Wilson N, Peace J, Edwards R, Weerasekera D. Smokers commonly misperceive that nicotine is a major carcinogen: National survey data. Thorax 2011;66:353-354.

Hoek J, Wilson N, Allen M, et al. Lessons from New Zealand's introduction of pictorial health warnings on tobacco packaging. Bull World Health Organ 2010;88:861-6. [Full free text].

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Borland R, Edwards R, Bullen C, Li J. Use of a national quitline and variation in use by smoker characteristics : ITC Project New Zealand. Nicotine Tob Res 2010;12 (Suppl 1):S78-S84. [Abstract].

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Hoek J, Li J, Edwards R. Increased smoker recognition of a national quitline number following introduction of improved pack warnings: ITC Project New Zealand. Nicotine Tob Res 2010;12(Suppl 1):S72-S77. [Abstract]

Elkin L, Thomson G, Wilson N. Connecting world youth with tobacco brands: YouTube and the internet policy vacuum on Web 2.0. Tob Control 2010;19:361-6. [Abstract].

Wilson N, Li J, Hoek J, Edwards R, Peace J. Long-term benefit of increasing the prominence of a quitline number on cigarette packaging: 3 years of Quitline call data.N Z Med J 2010;123(1321):109-111.

Wilson N, Peace J, Weerasekera D, Hoek J, Edwards R. Smoker (mis)perceptions associated with pack colouring: national survey data.N Z Med J 2010;123(1320):121-125.

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Blakely T, Edwards R, Thomson G Gifford H. What is behind smoker support for new smokefree areas? National survey data.BMC Public Health 2010, 10:498.

Wilson N, Edwards R, Thomson G, Weerasekera D, Gifford H, Hoek J. High and increased support by Maori and non-Maori smokers for a ban on point-of-sale tobacco displays: national survey data.N Z Med J 2010;123(1317):84-86.

Wilson N, Edwards R, Thomson G, Weerasekera D, Talemaitoga A. High support for a tobacco endgame by Pacific peoples who smoke: national survey data.N Z Med J 2010;123(1316):131-134.

Wilson N, Hoek J, Peace J, Gifford H, Thomson G, Edwards R. Marketing tobacco to New Zealand women: 8 ways to reflect on “World No Tobacco Day”. N Z Med J 2010;123(1315):84-90.

Wilson N, Thomson G, Edwards R, Peace J. Estimating missed government tax revenue from foreign tobacco: Survey of discarded cigarette packs. Tob Control 2009;18;416-418. [Abstract]

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Edwards R, Thomson G, Devlin M, Gifford H. Characteristics of smoker support for increasing a dedicated tobacco tax: National survey data from New Zealand. Nicotine Tob Res 2009;12(2):168-73.

Edwards R, Wilson N, Thomson G, Weerasekera D, Blakely T. Majority support by Māori and non-Māori smokers for many aspects of increased tobacco control regulation: national survey data. N Z Med J 2009;122(1307):115-118.

Wilson N, Thomson G, Weerasekera D, Blakely T, Edwards R, Peace J, Young D, Gifford H. Smoker misperceptions around tobacco: national survey data of particular relevance to protecting Maori health. N Z Med J 2009;122(1306):123-127.

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Edwards R, Blakely T. Smoker support for increased (if dedicated) tobacco tax by individual deprivation level: national survey data. Tob Control 2009;18:512.

Wilson N, Young D, Weerasekera D, Edwards R, Thomson G, Glover M. The importance of tobacco prices to roll-your-own (RYO) smokers (national survey data): higher tax needed on RYO. N Z Med J 2009;122(1305):92-96.

Wilson N, Blakely T, Edwards R, Weerasekera D, Thomson G. Support by New Zealand smokers for new types of smokefree areas: National survey data. N Z Med J 2009;122(1303);80-89.

Peace J, Wilson N, Hoek J, Edwards R, Thomson G. Survey of descriptors on cigarette packs: still misleading consumers?N Z Med J 2009;122(1303);90-96.

Lanumata T, Thomson G. Unequal risks, unmet needs: the tobacco burden for Pacific peoples in New Zealand.N Z Med J 2009;122(1303);39-53.

Wilson N, Borland R, Weerasekera D, Edwards R, Russell M. Smoker interest in lower-harm alternatives to cigarettes: National survey data. Nicotine Tob Res 2009;11(12):1467-73.

Wilson N, Peace J, Judy Li, Edwards R, Hoek J, Stanley J, Thomson G. Distribution of new graphic warning labels: Are tobacco companies following regulations?Tob Induc Dis 2009, 5:14.

Thomson G, Weerasekera D, Wilson N. New Zealand smokers' attitudes to smokefree cars containing preschool children: very high support across all sociodemographic groups. N Z Med J 2009;122(1300):84-86.

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Peace J, Edwards R, Thomson G, Devlin M. Misperceptions of "light" cigarettes abound: National survey data. BMC Public Health 2009, 9:126.

Wilson N, Thomson G, Edwards R. What's new in tobacco tax research for New Zealand and is it time for a tax hike now?N Z Med J 2009;122(1293):89-92.

Wilson N, Edwards R, Weerasekera D. High levels of smoker regret by ethnicity and socioeconomic status: national survey data. N Z Med J 2009;122(1292):99-100.

Thomson G, Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Edwards R. Most smokers support smokefree council-owned playgrounds: national survey data. N Z Med J 2009;122(1291):12-3.

Thomson G, Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Edwards R. Ninety-six percent of New Zealand smokers support smokefree cars containing preschool children. N Z Med J 2008;121(1285):139-140.

Thomson G, Wilson N, Edwards R. At the frontier of tobacco control: A brief review of public attitudes to smokefree outdoor places. Nicotine Tob Res 2009;11(6):584-90. [Abstract].

Thomson G, Wilson N. Public attitudes to laws for smokefree private vehicles: A brief review. Tob Control 2009;18(4):256-61. [Abstract].

Wilson N, Thomson G, Edwards R, Weerasekera D, Laugesen M. Most New Zealand smokers support having fire-safe cigarettes: National survey data. N Z Med J 2008;121:134-135.

Peace J, Wilson N, Thomson G, Edwards R. Recent changes in cigarette packaging in New Zealand may continue to mislead smokers.N Z Med J 2008;121:U2908.

Wilson N, Edwards R, Maher A, Näthe J, Jalali R. National smokefree law in New Zealand improves air quality inside bars, pubs and restaurants. BMC Public Health 2007;7:85.

Thomson G, Wilson N, Bushell L, Al Matar W, Ball B, Chiu J, Culliford N, Callum G, et al. Butt lengths differ by area deprivation level: A field study to explore intensive smoking. Nicotine Tob Res 2008;10:927-931. [Abstract].

Wilson N, Thomson G, Edwards R. Use of Four Major Tobacco Control Interventions in New Zealand: A Review. N Z Med J 2008;121:71-86 (Reprinted in NZMJ Digest 2008;9:35-39).

Norton KJ, Wilkins K, O'Connor R, Wilson N, Edwards R, Peace J. Properties of “light” cigarettes sold in New Zealand. N Z Med J 2008;121:107-110. [Free full text].

Contributed data to: Hyland A, Travers MJ, Dresler C, et al. A 32-country comparison of tobacco smoke derived particle levels in indoor public places. Tob Control 2008;17(3):159-65. [Abstract].

Related work - other journal articles in collaboration with other ITC Project colleagues

Borland R, Li L, Driezen P, Wilson N, et al. Cessation assistance reported by smokers in 15 countries participating in the International Tobacco Control (ITC) policy evaluation surveys. Addiction 2011 Aug 28. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03636.x. [Epub ahead of print]. [Abstract]

Borland R, Yong HH, Wilson N, Fong GT, Hammond D, Cummings KM, Hosking W, McNeill A. How reactions to cigarette packet health warnings influence quitting: findings from the ITC Four-Country survey. Addiction 2009;104:669-75.

Borland R, Wilson N, Fong, Hammond D, Cummings KM, Yong HH, Hosking W, Hastings G, Thrasher J & McNeill A. Impact of Graphic and Text Warnings on Cigarette Packs: Findings from Four Countries over Five Years. Tob Control 2009;18:358-64.

Reports

Edwards R, Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Peace J, Thomson G, Young D, Gifford H, Newcombe R. Occasional Report: Attitudes towards the tobacco industry and support for tobacco regulation in New Zealand: National survey data. Wellington, Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington: 2010.

Supplementary Report to the Maori Affairs Select Committee: Phasing-out tobacco sales via a “sinking lid” on supply (May 2010)

Gifford H, Bradbrook SK. Recent actions by Māori politicians and health advocates for a tobacco-free Aotearoa/New Zealand, A brief review (Occasional Paper 2009/1). Whakauae Research Services; Te Reo Mārama; Health Promotion and Public Health Policy Research Unit (HePPRU), 2009.

Report from Roswell Park Cancer Institute on the test results on New Zealand cigarettes

Report on the weightings of the ITC Project Wave 1 sample by Dr Robert Clark

Report on the weightings of the ITC Project Wave 2 sample by Dr Robert Clark

Methods report for the NZ arm of the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Survey (ITC Project)

Methods report for the NZ arm of the ITC Project (Updated 2009)

Peace J, Wilson N, Thomson G, Edwards R. Colouring of cigarette packs in New Zealand, does it mislead consumers? [Report] Wellington: Health Promotion and Policy Research Unit, University of Otago, 2007.

Submissions to government agencies based ITC work

These have been to the Commerce Commission (“light” cigarettes), Standards NZ (“fire-safe cigarettes), to the Maori Affairs Select Committeein 2010, to the Health Select Committee in 2011 (point-of-sale displays), and to various health sector policymakers (especially on tobacco tax, and point-of-sale tobacco displays).

Presentations

Wilson N, Peace J, Weerasekera D, Hoek J, Edwards R (2010c). Smoker (mis)perceptions associated with pack colouring : National survey data [Poster 134, 7 October] Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health (APACT 2010), 6-9 October, Sydney.

Wilson N, Laugesen M, Blakely T, Thomson G, Edwards R (2010a). A research agenda to inform a “sinking lid” to end tobacco sales in New Zealand [Poster presentation] Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health (APACT 2010), 6-9 October, Sydney.

Edwards R, Young D, Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Thomson G, Borland R (2010). Smoker views on increased tobacco regulation: Comparison of national survey data from Australia and New Zealand [Poster 168, 7 October]. Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health (APACT 2010), 6-9 October, Sydney.

Wilson N, Li J, Hoek J, Edwards R, Peace J (2010b). Long-term benefit of increasing the prominence of a quitline number on cigarette packaging [Poster 153 and oral presentation, 7 October].
Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health (APACT 2010), 6-9 October, Sydney.
See also slides from a 3 minute presentation.

Young D, Wilson N, Borland R, Edwards R, Weerasekera D (2010). Prevalence, correlates of, and reasons for using roll-your-own tobacco (RYO) in a high RYO use country [Poster and oral presentation].
Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health (APACT 2010), 6-9 October, Sydney
See also slides from a 3 minute presentation.

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Borland R, Edwards R, Bullen C, Li J (2010d). Variation in the use of a national quitline by smoker characteristics [Poster 49, 7 October].
Asia Pacific Conference on Tobacco or Health (APACT 2010), 6-9 October, Sydney.

Wilson N. Key Results from the ITC Project (New Zealand) – with a Focus on Inequalities and Smoking [Oral presentation, 1 March 2010 at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; and 5 March 2010 at the University of Buffalo, USA].

Li J, Wilson N, Hoek J, Weerasekera D, Edwards R. Smokers' responses to New Zealand graphic warnings by ethnicity and deprivation . [Oral presentation, Paper Session 2]. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT), 16th Annual Meeting 24 – 27 February 2010, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Blakely T, Kahler CW, Borland R, Edwards R. Hazardous alcohol use is common in New Zealand smokers: National survey data. [Poster presentation POS1-16]. SRNT, 16th Annual Meeting 24 – 27 February 2010, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Edwards R, Wilson N, Peace J, Weerasekera D. Smokers commonly have misperceptions concerning nicotine as a major carcinogen: National survey data. [Poster presentation POS1-49]. SRNT, 16th Annual Meeting 24 – 27 February 2010, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Li J, Wilson N, Hoek J, Weerasekera D, Edwards R. New graphic warnings improve knowledge of smoking harms among smokers. [Poster presentation POS3-15]. SRNT, 16th Annual Meeting 24 – 27 February 2010, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Hoek J, Edwards R, Li J. Increased smoker recognition of a national quitline number following introduction of improved pack warnings. [Poster presentation POS3-13. SRNT, 16th Annual Meeting 24 – 27 February 2010, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Wilson N, Hoek J, Allen M, Edwards R, Li J, Thomson G. Lessons from New Zealand's introduction of graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging. [Poster presentation POS3-7]. SRNT, 16th Annual Meeting 24 – 27 February 2010, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Gifford H, Wilson N, Edwards R, Weerasekera D. Maori smokers support major tobacco control interventions: National survey data from Aotearoa/New Zealand. [Poster presentation POS3-2]. SRNT, 16th Annual Meeting 24 – 27 February 2010, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Collings S, Edwards R. Poorer mental health in many New Zealand smokers: National survey data. [Poster presentation POS3-48]. SRNT, 16th Annual Meeting 24 – 27 February 2010, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Edwards R, Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Thomson G. Pacific peoples' views on major tobacco control interventions: National survey data from New Zealand. [Poster presentation POS3-17]. SRNT, 16th Annual Meeting 24 – 27 February 2010, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Edwards R, Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Thomson G. Increasing support by smokers for bans on point-of-sale tobacco displays: National survey data. [Poster presentation POS3-12]. SRNT, 16th Annual Meeting 24 – 27 February 2010, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Contributed data to: Borland R. Patterns of smoking cessation and use of aids across ITC family countries. Presentation at: The SRNT-Sponsored Global Network & Policy Committees: Global Treatment Issues (Pre-Conference Workshop). Joint Conference of SRNT and SRNT-Europe, Dublin, Ireland; 27-30 April, 2009.

Wilson N, Peace J, Edwards R, Thomson G, Hoek J, Li J, Stanley J. Rich pickings: Extensive information from a survey of discarded cigarette packs. [Conference abstract number 233]. “Oceania Tobacco Control 09”, Darwin, Australia, 7-9 October 2009.

Peace J, Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Edwards R. Smoker misperceptions about menthol cigarettes: national survey data [Conference abstract number 227]. “Oceania Tobacco Control 09”, Darwin, Australia, 7-9 October 2009.

Li J, Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Edwards R, Hoek J. Differences in Responses to Text Health Warnings by Ethnicity: A Possible Benefit of Indigenous Language Usage? Poster presentation: “World Conference on Tobacco OR Health” Mumbai, India, 8-12 March, 2009. (ppt)

Thomson G, Wilson N, Edwards R, Weerasekera D, Bullen C. Smokers want government action. Most smokers support more tobacco regulation, more smokefree policies and a dedicated tobacco tax: National survey data from New Zealand. Poster presentation : “World Conference on Tobacco OR Health” Mumbai, India, 8-12 March, 2009. (PDF)

Edwards R, Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Thomson G, Peace J. Most smokers support fire-safe cigs: National survey data from New Zealand. Poster presentation : “World Conference on Tobacco OR Health” Mumbai, India, 8-12 March, 2009. (PDF)

Edwards R, Wilson N, Weerasekera D, Thomson G. Smokers Support Smokefree Environments. [POS1-1]. Joint Conference of SRNT and SRNT-Europe, Dublin, Ireland; 27-30 April 2009.(PDF)

Wilson N, Edwards R, Weerasekera D, Thomson G. Most Smokers Support a Dedicated Tobacco Tax Increase (ITC Project: New Zealand). [POS1-3]. Joint Conference of SRNT and SRNT-Europe, Dublin, Ireland; 27-30 April 2009. (PDF)

Wilson N, Edwards R, Weerasekera D, Peace J, Thomson G. Differences in the use of “Light” cigarettes by Ethnicity: National Survey Data, New Zealand. [POS1-16]. Joint Conference of SRNT and SRNT-Europe, Dublin, Ireland; 27-30 April 2009. (PDF)

Edwards R, Weerasekera D, Thomson G, Wilson N. Smokers' Support for More Tobacco Product Regulation and Government Action on Tobacco Control. National Survey Data from New Zealand. [POS1-19]. Joint Conference of SRNT and SRNT-Europe, Dublin, Ireland; 27-30 April 2009.

Edwards R, Weerasekera D, Thomson G, Wilson N. Smokers Support for Restricting Point-of-Sale Display of Tobacco. National Survey Data from New Zealand. [POS3-5]. Joint Conference of SRNT and SRNT-Europe, Dublin, Ireland; 27-30 April 2009.

Bullen C, Wilson N, Edwards R, Weerasekera D, Gifford H. Quitting Intentions and Behaviour of Smokers by Ethnicity, Deprivation and Financial Stress. [POS3-54]. Joint Conference of SRNT and SRNT-Europe, Dublin, Ireland; 27-30 April 2009. (PDF)

Gifford H, Bradbrook SK, Edwards R. Recent Actions by Māori Politicians and Health Advocates for a Tobacco-Free Aotearoa/New Zealand: A Brief Review. [POS1-12]. Joint Conference of SRNT and SRNT-Europe, Dublin, Ireland; 27-30 April 2009. (PDF)

Thomson G, Wilson N, Bullen C. Butt lengths differ by area deprivation level: a field study to explore intensive smoking [Poster presentation]. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 13th Annual Meeting 27 February – 1 March 2008, Portland Oregon. POS4-74.

Peace J, Wilson N, Thomson G, Edwards R, Bullen C. Colouring on cigarette packs: is it part of deceptive tobacco marketing? [Poster presentation]. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 13th Annual Meeting 27 February – 1 March 2008, Portland Oregon. POS1-80.

Edwards R, Wilson N, Bullen C. Drift of second-hand smoke from outdoor smoking areas to the inside of pubs/bars [Poster presentation]. Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, 13th Annual Meeting 27 February – 1 March 2008, Portland Oregon. POS4-70.

Wilson N, Blakely T, Borland R, Bullen C, Edwards R, Gerritsen S, Gifford H, McRobbie H, Ponniah S, Thomson G. Novel Methodological Features of the New Zealand Arm of the ITC Project [Conference Poster]. Madison, WI: Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, Proceedings of 13th Annual Meeting 21-24 February 2007, Austin TX. POS1-153.

Edwards R, Wilson N, Blakely T, Borland R, Bullen C, Ponniah S, Gerritsen S, McRobbie H. Novel methodological features of the New Zealand arm of the ITC Project. Presentation at the Smokefree Oceania Tobacco Control Conference" From Vision to Reality" 5 September 2007, Auckland (Abstract 167).

Examples of media coverage of research outputs

• Coverage in the NZ Herald on key results from the project (March 2009): Smokefree law has support of smokers, survey suggests

• Coverage in the print media and radio on attitudes to smokefree cars (November 2008): Call for ban on smoking in cars with children - Smoking - NZ...

• Smokefree cars on TVNZ (see film clip): http://tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/2287262

Our people

• Nick Wilson (Principal Investigator)
• Richard Edwards (Deputy PI)
• George Thomson (Co-investigator, University of Otago)
• Tony Blakely (Co-investigator, University of Otago)
• Ron Borland (Co-investigator, Cancer Council Victoria, Australia)
• Deepa Weerasekera (Biostatistician)
• Judy Li (PhD candidate)
• Heather Gifford (Maori tobacco control expert, Whakauae Research),
• Jo Peace (Research Manager)
• Chris Bullen (Co-investigator, Auckland University)

Collaborators

There are over 20 other countries participating in this survey. Please see the ITC Project website.