In 2006, 24% of the people in New Zealand were tobacco users, which was down from 30% in 1986. I believe it is about 25% here in the US (ages 15-64). I live in Ohio, which has banned smoking in public places, but having never been a smoker, I love it! They have even banned smoking in outdoor stadiums, here. But, go across the Ohio river in to Kentucky, and it is a different story. Lots of restaurants have voluntarily banned it, but if you go into a bar - sometimes you can hardly see for the cloud of smoke, and it is guaranteed you will come out smelling downright nasty.
I consider myself pretty liberal, but this is one minority (smokers) I don't mind seeing have their "rights to smoke" violated. I've been a nurse a long time, and I've seen first hand the detrimental effects of smoking on peoples' hearts and lungs. There is not one good thing about smoking. (Just so you know I am not nuts about this issue, my 90 year old mother still smokes (not a lot, and she usually goes outside), and I live with her. Even she doesn't want the smell in the house, LOL!)
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New Zealand embassy in Washington now has all my paperwork as of June 4,2008. Now, just more waiting.....and waiting.....and waiting
June 30, 2008 - embassy received additional information requested
July 17, 2008 - email received and WORK PERMIT APPROVED!!!!! 
Flights booked for August 4, 2008!
Arrived in Auckland on August 6, 2008. Eventually will be settled around Hamilton.
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