KNZB Positional Statement

KNZB is a not for profit charitable organisation. We value each and every individual and corporate contributor as these contributions allow us to deliver on our key objective which is simply to ‘Keep New Zealand Beautiful'

In New Zealand over 60 million cigarette butts are disposed of incorrectly in our environment each year and in line with KNZB's key objective, we aim to reduce that butt litter as much as possible.

Since 2010, KNZB has introduced cigarette butt litter education campaigns in six regions of New Zealand culminating in a decrease of cigarette butt litter in the immediate vicinity of approximately 60 per cent in the Levin Project particularly.

We plan to build on this highly successful outcome by growing the campaign over coming years. This will help create a more conscious smoker who is aware of litter and disposes of their cigarette butts responsibly.

We are reliant on funding to run our anti-litter education programmes. To that extent we have made a considered decision to accept funding from British American Tobacco New Zealand (BATNZ). KNZB recognises that BATNZ is aware that its products have an environmental impact and has taken responsibility for mitigating that impact.

KNZB's acceptance of this funding for anti-litter education programmes in no way endorses or supports smoking.

KNZB ensures that BATNZ receives no public endorsement, recognition or promotion from funding this KNZB programme.

KNZB believes that as a not for profit organisation, strategic and carefully considered partnerships between industry, local government and communities are essential to achieving our key objective to ‘Keep New Zealand Beautiful'.