Read articles from New Zealand

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.

December 19, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

The New Zealand government has passed strict new vape regulations banning disposable vapes by June 2025. Vapes can no longer be displayed in retail shops or given away for free. Online stores and specialist vape shops face visibility restrictions and sales to minors now result in penalties up to $100,000. The regulations aim to curb youth vaping while supporting smokers who use vapes to quit. Enforcement will increase with new penalties to reinforce compliance. A recent survey shows a decline in youth vaping rates, supporting the effectiveness of regulations in reducing youth vaping.

December 06, 2024 by theconversation.com

Vaping rates among youth in New Zealand are concerning, with a proposed ban on disposable vapes and restrictions on retailers to curb accessibility. Addiction to nicotine-laden vape products negatively impacts young people's well-being and self-perception. Many feel resentful, judged, and struggle to quit. Strong regulations are needed to protect youth from harmful marketing tactics. Implementing stricter policies, such as limiting product sales to specified age-restricted shops and monitoring the effects of the ban on disposable vapes, is crucial. Additionally, targeted cessation programs with empathetic support are recommended to help young individuals overcome addiction.

December 04, 2024 by rnz.co.nz

New data shows a rise in young adult vapers in New Zealand, with Māori leading usage. Vaping accessibility increased since 2018, impacting youth trends. Changes in legislation aim to restrict access and address harms. Despite decreasing smoking rates, vaping among ages 15-24 has doubled, posing concerns about misinformation targeting youth. During lockdown, a vaping company's giveaway raised age verification issues. Rangatahi often access vapes through older individuals or retailers, emphasizing the need to involve youth in policy discussions. Engagement with young voices is crucial to address vaping challenges in communities.

November 25, 2024 by rnz.co.nz

A recent survey by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation indicates a decline in teenage vaping rates but still highlights concerns. While 12% of 10 to 18-year-olds vape weekly, down from 27% in 2021, younger students are being exposed. Of worry is the 3.7% of 10 to 12-year-olds and about 9% of 13 to 15-year-olds vaping. However, older students' vaping is increasing, with 20% of 15 to 16-year-olds and 26% of 17 to 18-year-olds reporting weekly vaping, suggesting nicotine addiction. Efforts are underway to regulate vaping, given its negative health impacts, disparities among different ethnicities, and government initiatives to curb youth vaping through stricter laws.

November 08, 2024 by labour.org.nz

Concerns persist over tobacco industry influence in government policy, as the Office of the Auditor-General declines to probe the halving of excise tax on heated tobacco products. Labour's Ayesha Verrall calls for transparency on conflicts of interest, criticizing Cabinet's ties to the tobacco sector. Questions arise amid allegations that policy aligns with Philip Morris strategy. New Zealand's institutions are criticized for failing to resist vested interests. The absence of legislation implementing WHO tobacco control agreements is noted, with recent policy shifts favoring the industry. Verrall questions Associate Health Minister Casey Costello's motives. Transparency and accountability are urged, emphasizing the need to safeguard public health from harmful products.

November 01, 2024 by filtermag.org

Dr. Marewa Glover's efforts to reduce smoking in New Zealand led to a significant decrease by promoting safer nicotine products. The government's support for vaping and harm reduction strategies contributed to this success. In contrast, Australia's stricter policies have resulted in a slower decline in smoking rates. Dr. Glover's work with Indigenous communities, especially Māori, has led to substantial progress in reducing smoking prevalence, with many switching to vaping. She emphasizes the importance of policies that consider marginalized groups and opposes heavy tobacco taxes that harm vulnerable populations. The New Zealand government's approach includes risk-proportionate taxation and support for vaping products.