Maori health groups attending a select committee hearing in Rotorua have voted in favor of calling an increase in the tax on tobacco, and an eventual ban on tobacco sales.

However, further details have not yet disclosed and no specifications have been shared on how this might be initiated, but Tairawhiti District Health Board member Brian Wilson cited at the inquiry's first public hearing, in Rotorua yesterday, that it could be done by classifying tobacco under the Misuse of Drugs Act, like methamphetamine.

Labor MP Kelvin Davis, a committee member and National MP Paul Quinn are revealed to show concerns that if the Government banned tobacco, this would result in the emergence of black market.

Hone Hara-wira, who is Maori Party quoted, "One of the difficulties in banning marijuana and alcohol is that people like marijuana and alcohol. When you ban them you create the circumstances for a black market".

The recommendations are reported to include a hike in the tax on tobacco by at least 5% every year, prohibiting tobacco displays from shops, and launching more awareness programs to help people quit smoking.