A new research ahs stated that there has been a double rise since tobacco tax hikes in April in the number of smokers stubbing out the habit.

Following the tax rise and in anticipation of a flood of calls from smokers making New Year resolutions to kick the habit, National stop-smoking organisation The Quit Group will be open on January 1. There are increases expected in this next year and in 2012.

Quit Group chief executive Paula Snowden said, "About 4000 smokers had registered with the help line in May this year, a 93 per cent increase on May 2009."

April tax rise was stated as a reason to give up the habit by more than two thirds and in the previous year more than a quarter had not tried to kick the habit.

After Parliament passed urgent legislation on April 28, the price of a packet of cigarettes rose by 10 per cent and loose tobacco by 24 per cent.

On all tobacco products in January, the increase will be followed by a 10 per cent rise and in 2012 another 10 per cent.

Snowden said, "Next year's increase would take the average price of a packet of 25 cigarettes to more than $15, and the Quitline was expecting a flood of calls."