Read articles from New Zealand

November 19, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

New Zealand received the 'Dirty Ashtray' award at a tobacco control meeting, criticized for reversing reforms, high vaping rates among youth, and industry interference. Once a leader, NZ now faces international shame and fell to 53rd on the Tobacco Industry Interference Index. Experts warn that repealing tobacco control measures could hinder smoking prevalence reduction.

November 19, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

New Zealand, known for low smoking rates and high cigarette taxes, received the "dirty ashtray" award from the GATC for ineffective tobacco control policies, despite just 6.8% smoking prevalence. Mexico was recognized positively for anti-tobacco industry stands. New Zealand's adoption of harm reduction, like vaping, has reduced youth vaping rates and smoking prevalence. The country's success in decreasing smoking challenges the WHO's stance against harm reduction. The GATC's criticism of New Zealand's tobacco control contrasts with the country's significant progress in reducing smoking rates. Globally, New Zealand and Sweden stand out for successful harm reduction strategies in tobacco control.

October 10, 2025 by nzherald.co.nz

Health NZ's pilot programme provided vapes to 29 smoking cessation programs. Approximately 33% of 4326 individuals who quit smoking in seven months used the vaping kits. Health NZ is seeking quotes for more vapes to potentially continue the program permanently, depending on results. Vapes with various nicotine strengths and flavors are being requested. The pilot's success has prompted confidence in the continuation of supplying vapes. However, concerns have been raised by medical professionals and organizations regarding the approach of using vapes as a smoking cessation tool due to limited evidence supporting its efficacy and potential risks.

September 11, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

Changes to warning labels for tobacco, nicotine, and alcohol are under review by David Seymour's Ministry for Regulation. Public health groups expressed concerns, but Seymour indicated no plans to exclude these products. He mentioned the potential for altering label designs, citing an example of the color red used for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder warnings. Seymour acknowledged cost implications for businesses complying with label requirements. Health advocates stressed the importance of existing warning labels, especially for tobacco and nicotine products. The Ministry is gathering industry feedback through surveys. Concerns were raised about potentially reducing the effectiveness of warning labels on harmful products.

September 03, 2025 by citynews.com.au

The black market for cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes in Australia is growing and leading to violence. Despite high cigarette prices, illegal supplies are popular, with a significant black market presence. Vaping restrictions have not been successful, prompting increased vaping black market activities. The high cigarette excise has unintended negative consequences, with estimates of a $10 billion annual revenue loss for the government. New Zealand's successful approach to promoting safer nicotine options over cigarettes highlights Australia's failure in tobacco and vaping policies. Suggestions include reducing cigarette excise and increasing availability of safer nicotine products. The tobacco industry is shifting towards smoke-free products, which are becoming more profitable. Australia should consider following NZ's lead in tobacco harm reduction policies to combat the black market.

August 28, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

Urgent regulatory action on vaping, particularly targeting device designs, is advised by Dr. Robin Quigg of University of Otago due to her research showing vaping's normalization among young Māori. The discreetness of devices encourages use in public places, driven by nicotine addiction. Quigg recommends stricter regulations, such as larger device sizes, therapeutic designs, and less appealing flavors. While these measures may help, additional steps are needed to reduce vaping's allure to young individuals, beyond device regulation according to the study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.

August 28, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

Research by Dr. Robin Quigg from the University of Otago highlights how the discreet design of vaping devices allows young Māori to vape in prohibited areas, leading to normalization of vaping and nicotine addiction. The study emphasizes the urgent need for tighter regulations on vape device design, advocating for larger sizes, therapeutic designs, and less appealing odors. Despite many marae offering designated vaping areas, some sacred places like marae and wharenui are being disrespected. Quigg stresses the importance of implementing stricter regulations to curb the allure of vaping among young people in New Zealand.

August 11, 2025 by clearingtheair.eu

New Zealand is on the cusp of becoming one of the first countries to go officially smoke-free – and it’s thanks to vaping and other safer nicotine alternatives, according to its Associate Minister of Health.

August 11, 2025 by mipod.com

While some countries are still battling over bans, taxes, and talking points, New Zealand is quietly on the brink of achieving something extraordinary: becoming one of the first truly smoke-free nations. And they didn’t do it with slogans or scare tactics—they did it with science, compassion, and harm reduction. 

August 11, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

International tobacco harm reduction experts at Smoke Free Sweden have applauded Casey Costello, New Zealand’s associate minister of health, for her staunch defence of safer nicotine alternatives that have brought her country to the brink of official ‘smoke-free’ status.