Government rules out smoking ban in homes, as they move to push car smoking ban through Parliament

The Government has ruled out a ban on smoking in homes, despite wanting to ban smoking in cars.

Associate Health Minister Jenny Salesa told 1 NEWS a proposed law change will be presented to Cabinet in the next fortnight to protect children from second hand smoke in cars.

Ms Salesa sees the ban being policed in the same way as mobile phones or seatbelts.

"We don't really see the police handing out a lot of infringement notices for those it's just that we need a change in culture," she said.

National says the minister is confused about what the purpose of the law change is.

"She herself has admitted that culture and behaviour change through education are going to be far more effective and yet it's a law they want to pass. I think it shows a very confused government," National Party MP Michael Woodhouse says.

While children could still be exposed to cigarette smoke in their home, Ms Salesa is not considering a ban there.

It's estimated 5,000 people die every year from smoking related disease in New Zealand.