Summarised by Centrist

Political commentator Bryce Edwards examines the mounting criticism of Associate Health Minister Casey Costello for her handling of heated tobacco products (HTPs). 

Opposition parties are calling for Costello’s resignation, with Labour’s health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall stating, “There’s no reason for making these changes other than benefiting the tobacco industry.” 

Verrall suggested Costello’s decisions “stink like corruption,” and described the tax cuts on HTPs as “a handout to the tobacco industry,” benefitting Philip Morris.

Treasury had advised against the tax cut, warning HTPs are more harmful than vaping, but Costello cited “independent advice,” which has not yet been fully disclosed. Initially withheld from Cabinet, the advice’s origins remain unclear, though Costello has committed to making it public, expressing surprise at the attention it received.

Verrall further claimed that Costello either misled Prime Minister Luxon or is incompetent for failing to disclose the legal issues surrounding the now-banned HTP devices. Some media has labelled the situation “beyond farcical.” 

Luxon’s stance on the issue has come under scrutiny due to his own connections to the tobacco industry, including his sister-in-law, who has worked for British American Tobacco for 20 years, along with other senior National Party members like Chris Bishop and Nicola Willis, who have ties to the sector.

Read more over at Democracy Project

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