Thousands are expected at rallies today in a show of opposition against government plans to scrap smokefree legislation.

As part of its 100 Day Action Plan, the coalition government intends to repeal legislation restricting the number of retailers and banning cigarettes for the next generation.

Rallies at parliament and in Auckland - organised by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists - are due to kick off shortly. 

National Māori Public Health organisation Hāpai Te Hauora will also be presenting a 47,000 signature petition.

Hāpai Te Hauora's interim chief executive Jason Alexander spoke to Charlotte Cook ahead of the rally.