New Zealand moves to ban smoking for future generations

New Zealand this week moved to effectively abolish smoking within its borders, mandating that anyone born after a certain year will be forbidden from purchasing tobacco there. 

The country's parliament passed a bill that would forbid any citizen born after 2008 from buying tobacco products; the provision will effectively sunset the ability of New Zealanders to purchase cigarettes, cigars and other smoking options. 

The country's health minister, Ayesha Verrall, hailed the country for moving "towards a smoke-free future".

"Thousands of people will live longer, healthier lives and the health system will be $5 billion better off from not needing to treat the illnesses caused by smoking," Dr Verrall said upon the bill's passage. 

Fewer than 10% of New Zealand adults smoke, a number that has been declining even more in recent years.