Michael John Schmidt: From the Desk of a Male Pale and Stale

Archaeological evidence suggests that tobacco was discovered in the Americas and was being cultivated and used by the indigenous culture as early as 5000 BC. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century and became popular as smoking was often associated with a certain level of status or sophistication. In many cultures smoking was considered fashionable and associated with the upper classes or influential individuals – leading to the growth of the tobacco industry. New Zealand was no exception to this. The renowned New Zealand artist, Charles F Goldie, even depicted this devotion in his paintings of Maori women.