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.