Correct answer: (b) 2025
Explanation
- A
2024
Option (a) claims the target year is 2024. However, this is too soon for the phased generational ban to take full effect across the targeted age cohorts.
- B
2025
Option (b) claims the target year is 2025. This is the correct year set by New Zealand legislation to achieve its ambitious smoke-free nation goal by systematically restricting tobacco sales to younger demographics.
- C
2029
Option (c) claims the target year is 2029. This date does not align with the official legislation timeline established by the New Zealand government in December 2022.
- D
2030
Option (d) claims the target year is 2030. While many global sustainability and health agendas target 2030, New Zealand specifically legislated for the year 2025.
Summary. Official key is (b) 2025. In December 2022, New Zealand passed landmark legislation to ban tobacco sales to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. The primary objective of this progressive public health law is to make the country smoke-free by the year 2025. Aspirants often confuse this specific policy timeline with broader international sustainable development goals typically set for 2030. Therefore, option (b) is the only correct choice among the given alternatives.