Read articles from New Zealand

September 24, 2024 by 1news.co.nz

Minister Casey Costello, responsible for smoking policies, spoke at a health forum emphasizing success in reducing smoking rates through vaping, especially among Maori women and youth. She aims to target hardcore smokers aged 45-64 for cessation. Costello supports harm reduction tools like vaping and nicotine patches to achieve Smokefree 2025. Despite criticism for delaying smokefree legislation and tax cuts on heated tobacco, she denied ties with the tobacco industry. Costello discussed combatting the illicit tobacco market in South Auckland.

September 23, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

New Zealand has achieved a significant reduction in smoking rates by promoting vaping as a safer alternative. Smoking rates have halved in five years, with adult daily vaping increasing. The country's success is attributed to the 'Swedish Model' approach of harm reduction and making safer nicotine alternatives accessible. New Zealand's proactive measures, including the Vape to Quit campaign, have led to a decline in smoking, contributing to the goal of becoming 'smoke-free' by 2025. Embracing harm reduction strategies has proven effective in saving lives and controlling tobacco-related issues, setting an example for other countries to follow.

September 13, 2024 by newsroom.co.nz

Sometimes, bad policy can be good politics in the short term, but it can lead to challenges for future governments. The National party's proposal to ban vaping devices used by adults to address youth vaping is considered poor policy that will backfire politically in 2026. The Ministry of Health's analysis highlighted flaws in the ban, warning about unintended consequences, such as hindering smoking cessation efforts and creating an illicit market. The broader ban may impact adult smokers using vaping as a harm-reduction tool. This decision could turn into a political liability for National, especially in light of reversing previous legislation aimed at reducing smoking rates.

August 21, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates has already expressed its significant concerns regarding the recently proposed Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill 2024. The bill, aimed at addressing youth vaping, introduces stringent measures that the harm reduction organisation believes will inadvertently harm adult vapers and smokers seeking to quit smoking.

August 19, 2024 by scoop.co.nz

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has expressed significant concerns regarding the recently proposed Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill 2024. The bill, aimed at addressing youth vaping, introduces stringent measures that CAPHRA believes will inadvertently harm adult vapers and smokers seeking to quit smoking.

August 16, 2024 by filtermag.org

New Zealand, known for tobacco harm reduction success, faces criticism for banning disposable vapes to reduce youth vaping. Despite nearing a "smoke-free" status, the ban applies to non-rechargeable devices and pods. Advocates fear the move undermines progress and goes against promoting smoking cessation aids like vapes. Concerns arise about the ban's impact on smoking prevalence goals and the effectiveness of vape products compared to cigarettes. Worldwide, inconsistencies in tobacco harm reduction policies persist, with advocates urging for consumer-friendly regulations. Experts warn New Zealand risks jeopardizing its successful tobacco control efforts and urge policymakers to reconsider the ban's impact carefully.

August 06, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

New Zealand aims to achieve smoke-free status by the end of 2025 by promoting vaping as a smoking cessation tool. The country's smoking rate has dropped to 6.8%, with the government anticipating it to go below 5% soon. Vaping has been instrumental in reducing smoking, with a 43% drop since 2020. The government introduced public support programs and a vaping information website to aid smokers in quitting. New Zealand's successful anti-smoking efforts serve as a model for other countries, as vaping is deemed safer than smoking. Restrictions on vapes have been implemented to prevent youth vaping, while reusable vapes remain available as an adult smoking cessation aid.

August 05, 2024 by filtermag.org

New Zealand has decreased excise tax on heated tobacco products by 50%, aiming to promote harm reduction in smoking. The country champions safer alternatives like heated tobacco products and vaping, with a goal to become smoke-free by 2025. The move has sparked debate, with some concerned about Big Tobacco influence. Experts recommend affordable access to lower-risk nicotine substitutes for effective smoking cessation. However, awareness about heated tobacco products remains low. Despite criticism, reducing taxes on these products could benefit those looking to quit smoking, particularly low-income individuals.

July 30, 2024 by scoop.co.nz

CAPHRA criticizes misinformation on vaping as detrimental propaganda by some factions in tobacco control. They highlight the benefits of safer nicotine products in reducing smoking rates and health risks, supported by evidence from countries like the UK and New Zealand. CAPHRA urges governments and health organizations to prioritize accurate information and harm reduction strategies to combat smoking effectively. Embracing harm reduction is crucial to tackling smoking-related diseases.

July 24, 2024 by waateanews.com

A Māori Public Health Researcher Says Communications from Associate Health Minister Casey Costello Over Tobacco Policy Are at Odds with Advice from Her Ministry.