‘Quitting smoking’ could be the New Year resolution of many, but hardly few could linger on with the same. To help people stick to their decision, Quitline’s efforts are worth commendable.

With a 10% increase in the prices of cigarettes on New Year's Day, the number calls received by Quitline surpassed the expectations. The helpline had estimated that with the price of 25 cigarettes pack rising to more than $16 from $14.60, there would be 1350 calls in the week, but it surpassed the expected figures.

Quit Group Chief Executive Paula Snowden stated that they had expected the increase in demand so they were all prepared, but they had no idea that record number of calls would be received by them.

The surge in the prices of cigarettes would discourage many to give up smoking, as believed by Marewa Glover, Director for the Centre of Tobacco Control at Auckland University.

"It's just another reason to quit and also helps people who have quit. . They think about the higher price which might put them off reaching for a cigarette”, said Glover.

In April 2010 also, a 10% increase in the tobacco tax was imposed and a further 10% rise has been thought of for the year 2012.