Read articles from New Zealand

March 21, 2025 by theconversation.com

E-cigarette companies like British American Tobacco lobbied to loosen vape regulations in NZ and Australia. They argue vaping is replacing smoking based on a 2020 study. However, a new study found vaping slowed the decline in youth smoking rates since 2010. The 2020 study didn't consider this and influenced policy decisions. Research suggests vaping may lead to smoking uptake in NZ adolescents, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policies addressing both vaping and smoking. Policymakers globally should be cautious of unintended consequences on youth when crafting regulations around vaping products for adults.

March 05, 2025 by gfn.tv

New Zealand's acceptance of safer nicotine products has spearheaded an unprecedented drop in smoking rates in its indigenous communities - can its neighbour Australia leaern a thing or two from New Zealand's success? In this latest episode of GFN News Will Godfrey joins us to highlight a recent paper by Colin Mendelsohn exploring New Zealand's plummeting smoking rates.

February 17, 2025 by theconversation.com

The smokefree generation law in New Zealand aimed to end tobacco sales to those born after a specific date to phase out smoking. The law had strong support but was repealed by the government. Different approaches, including a nicotine-free generation policy, are being considered globally, while NZ lags. Young vapers see benefits in a nicotine-free policy, as they struggle to quit due to easy access and marketing. They prefer regulation to protect them from vaping. Some worry about enforcement challenges. Discussions are needed on adopting progressive smokefree policies recognizing the impact of the changing nicotine market on youth wellbeing. Reducing vaping's availability and appeal is crucial for future policy.

February 14, 2025 by medicalxpress.com

Two professionals' study in the Addiction journal compared smoking rates in Australia and New Zealand, finding faster declines in New Zealand. They attribute this to New Zealand's less restrictive vaping regulations. The research suggests that increasing access to nicotine vaping products could benefit public health and reduce smoking rates, especially among disadvantaged populations. The restrictive vaping model in Australia might lead to a thriving black market. The study recommends less strict regulations, such as licensed retail sales, age verification, and limited advertising, to balance reducing youth access and encouraging smokers to switch to vaping. Implementing a more permissive policy similar to New Zealand could help improve public health outcomes and curb the illicit vape market.

February 11, 2025 by filtermag.org

A study published in the Addiction journal indicates that nicotine vaping can help reduce health disparities, particularly for low-income and Indigenous groups. The research compares smoking and vaping trends in Australia and New Zealand from 2016 to 2023. New Zealand's more supportive vaping regulations led to a faster decline in smoking, especially in disadvantaged communities. The study suggests that embracing vaping as a harm reduction strategy could significantly reduce smoking rates and health inequalities. Other countries are encouraged to consider similar regulations to benefit high-risk populations.

February 10, 2025 by wiley.com

Comparing regulatory models for nicotine vaping products in different countries can provide insights into the most effective regulatory approach but can be confounded by cross-national differences. This study compared two neighbouring countries with very different vaping regulatory models but with similar tobacco control policies and population demographics. Australia has a highly restrictive, prescription-only vaping policy, while New Zealand adopted a regulated consumer model.

February 04, 2025 by einpresswire.com

Advocacy organisations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia Pacific - In a united effort, representing millions of adult consumers who use nicotine products that do not involve combustion, have sent a letter to the Special Rapporteur to the United Nations Human Rights Council. The correspondence addresses recent comments made in a recent report regarding the validity of Tobacco Harm Reduction and urges the United Nations to recognize its importance in promoting public health.

January 21, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

General practitioners express concern over government funding for vaping kits to aid smokers in quitting under the Smokefree 2025 plan, citing health risks and limited success rates. Despite government claims of reduced smoking rates due to vaping, GP Aotearoa urges for more evidence-based decisions and transparency, mentioning potential risks like lung damage and links to cancer. While the government defends vaping's effectiveness in smoking cessation, GP Aotearoa calls for reassessment and consultation with healthcare professionals. The group remains open to evidence-based strategies to reduce smoking rates and enhance public health, emphasizing the need for further research on vaping's long-term effects.

January 07, 2025 by times.co.nz

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ criticizes the Government's use of vaping starter kits for smoking cessation, calling it irresponsible. Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello plans to provide vaping kits through Stop Smoking Services, aiming to help smokers quit. Despite vaping's role in reducing smoking rates, concerns over long-term effects and lack of consultation with experts are raised. The Foundation stresses the importance of a clear exit strategy from nicotine addiction. Costello defends the initiative as part of efforts to achieve Smokefree 2025 goals by targeting the right audience with effective tools. Collaboration across the health sector is key to encouraging referrals to stop smoking services.

January 03, 2025 by rnz.co.nz

A campaigner supports government's plan to distribute free vaping starter kits to help adults quit smoking, aiming to achieve Smokefree 2025 goals. Vaping is seen as a safer alternative to smoking, reducing health risks. The initiative includes providing vape devices and nicotine pods monthly over three months to smokers via stop-smoking services. A new marketing campaign is launched to further promote quitting. Efforts target key audiences through social media and local networks. Increasing access to effective tools is crucial, with a focus on collaboration within the health sector. The message emphasizes the benefits of quitting and the support available.