Indigenous smoking researcher Marewa Glover Photo: RNZ / Luke McPake
A finalist for New Zealander of the Year for her work with Maori smokers is facing being shut out of the public health system because her research is funded by tobacco giant Philip Morris.
Yesterday Marewa Glover caused a stir at a parliamentary Select Committee when she told politicians their plans to fine people in cars that are caught smoking with young passengers wouldn't change a thing.
Public health experts say Dr Glover is compromised by the tobacco money.
But she's hit back saying they are sabotaging her work and even tried to derail her nomination as finalist for New Zealand of the Year.
Guyon Espiner reports.
