We think powerwalls advertise cigarettes to kids, and because of that we they should be banned.

Did you know that nearly 5000 Kiwis die each year from tobacco-related diseases?To keep on making money the tobacco industry needs new smokers to replace them. Almost all new smokers in NZ are under 18, and the average age of starting to smoke in New Zealand is just 14 years of age.

Research shows that children who are consistently exposed to tobacco advertising are more likely to experiment with smoking. Powerwalls also make it hard to stop smoking for people who are trying to quit (Fact Sheet, ASH, 2008).

Banning Powerwalls doesn't mean the shops have to stop selling cigarettes - they just need to move them out of sight. Regular smokers can still buy their favourite brand and retailers can still sell cigarettes for money.

We think shop owners should use the space taken up by powerwalls for other things like magazines, DVDs, or advertising for local businesses or new movies.

Other countries that have successfully banned tobacco displays include Canada, Iceland, Ireland and Thailand. If they can do it, NZ can too!

Check out this awesome documentary made by the NZ Cancer Society all about tobacco displays and tobacco marketing.

Out of Sight - Out of Mind: Protect our children from tobacco marketing from Cancer Society of New Zealand on Vimeo.