The goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 where less than five per cent of the population smokes is only 10 years away.

Over the last decade Quitline has supported almost half a million New Zealanders to quit smoking and the organisation says it plans to help even more over the next decade.

Stub out the ciggies in 2015 and enjoy a smokefree life, says Quitline. Photo: File

Quitline CEO Paula Snowden says her organisation believes the Government needs to do more to support people to quit.

'We know that tax increases work to prompt quitting and we need to keep introducing them in a way that hits the tobacco industry in their back pocket,” says Paula. 'Plain packaging has proven to work in Australia and we should introduce that in New Zealand, sooner rather than later.

'Finally, we need to hold the industry accountable and implement measures to control supply such as a register for tobacco retailers.”

Quitline estimates a pack-a-day smoker who quits today will save about $67,890 by 2025 – and this figure does not even account for tax increases.

By 2025 the same person will also have dramatically reduced his or her risk of developing life-threatening cancer of the mouth, throat,oesophagus or lung.

Paula explains: 'Every hour, day, week, month and year that you go without smoking, your health will improve.”

'When you quit, your body starts to repair itself straightaway,” says Paula. 'Within eight hours your heartbeat slows down to normal, and your blood pressure goes down.

'Thecarbon monoxide is out of your system within a day and your lungs work better.”

Paula says within five years a smoker's risk of cancers of the mouth, throat andoesophagus is half that of a person who continuesto smoke, and within ten years the risk of lung cancer is less than half that of a person who continues to smoke.

Quitting is a fantastic thing to do at any age; you'll live longer and your quality of life will improve, says Paula.

'We know children of smokers are seven times more likely to become smokers themselves so you'll also be setting a great example for your kids and grandchildren.”

TIPS FOR QUITTING

When you are ready to quit:

• Set a Quit date
• Tell your family, friends and co-workers that you plan to quit
• Be ready to cope with physical cravings by getting nicotine patches, gum or lozenges
• Know what will make you want to smoke (your triggers)
• Remove all your cigarettes, tobacco, ashtrays and lighters from your home, car and workplace.

To read more about the health benefits of quitting smoking please see Quitline's website: http://www.quit.org.nz/20/reasons-to-quit/health-benefits

To check out money savings using Quitline's calculator please see:

http://www.quit.org.nz/21/reasons-to-quit/money-benefits

To speak with a Quitline advisor call 0800-778-778