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Customs Minister Nicky Wagner says Customs has destroyed over 2.5 tonnes of abandoned tobacco and collected $1.35 million in additional duty and taxes since the drop in tobacco duty free limits last November.

“People seem to be learning about the change. The amount of tobacco abandoned at airports by those not wanting to pay duty is dropping from the 100 kilograms Customs was initially collecting every week,” Ms Wagner says.

Data released today about the use of Ministry of Health-funded disability support services will help ensure that disabled New Zealanders are receiving the best services, says Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.

The demographic data, which has been made publically available for the first time, gives detailed information about the age, ethnicity, marital status, accommodation, deprivation levels and disability types of people using ministry-funded disability support services.

The data will put disabled people at the centre of decision-making, Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

The more than 800kg of tobacco and cigarettes left at the border since 1 November is a further step towards reducing the damage caused by smoking, say Customs Minister Nicky Wagner and Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.

Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga and Minister for Disability Issues Nicky Wagner today congratulated the winners of the Attitude Awards, being held on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Mr Lotu-Iiga will present the Attitude ACC Supreme Award at the ceremony in Auckland tonight.

The Attitude Awards recognise the huge number of New Zealanders who live with disabilities, including those with intellectual, physical and mental health disabilities.