Background We have previously published a forecasting model of future smoking prevalence in New Zealand (NZ). Under business-as-usual (BAU) assumptions NZ’s smokefree 2025 goal was not attained by any demographic group. However, the 2013 Census (which included a question on smoking) showed a greater than expected fall in prevalence, especially for Māori. We therefore aimed to provide upgraded projections to inform policy around tobacco endgame planning. Method The previously developed dynamic forecasting model was re-specified using smoking prevalence data from the 2006 and 2013 censuses from NZ. Calculations included changes in initiation by age 20 years, and net annual cessation rates, by sex, age, and ethnicity (Māori vs non-Māori). Projections under 2006–2013 trends (adjusted for no tax rises since 2010), by sex and ethnicity were made out to 2025 and beyond. Results Between the 2006 and 2013 censuses (adjusted for no tax rises since 2010), initiation of daily smoking by age 20 years decreased annually by 3.4% (95% uncertainty interval 3.2% to 3.6%) and 2.7% (2.5% to 2.8%) for non-Māori men and women, and by 2.9% (2.6% to 3.2%) and 3.2% (2.9% to 3.5%) for Māori respectively. Annual net smoking cessation rates ranged from 3.7% to 7.7% across demographic groups. The revised projected smoking prevalence in 2025 (allowing for tax increases that have occurred from 2010 to 2014) was 8.3% and 6.4% for non-Māori, and 18.7% and 19.3% for Māori men and women, respectively. Conclusions The upgraded smoking prevalence projections still suggests that the NZ Government’s smokefree 2025 goal would not be attained by any demographic group. It is likely that more intensive existing interventions, or entirely novel ones, will be needed to achieve the 2025 endgame goal.