The New Zealand Dental Association and Rotorua woman Katerina Pihera showed serious concerns over the deaths and health issues faced by “Maori”. It has been said that excessive use of tobacco raises oral health issues and can even cause Oral Cancer.

Graeme Ting, the Associate Director said, "The New Zealand Dental Association would support government-led initiatives and services that support Maori quitting smoking. Such initiatives would offer Maori better control over their own health and reduce the economic, social and aspirational burdens on whanau caused by smoking".

Katerina insists on banning tobacco because of hundreds of deaths among the targeted Maoris who are approached by the companies. A committee has been set up that is studying upon the historic track of tobacco companies that intentionally target the Maori. The committee is also considering discussions about what new measures should be taken to ensure less use of tobacco.

New Zealand health survey revealed that 55% of Maori females were into smoking and the percentage is even more than the smokers elsewhere in New Zealand. Among the 5000 deaths caused by smoking in New Zealander, 600 are reportedly Maori.