Read articles from New Zealand
April 14, 2025 by phcc.org.nz
What will the Government’s free vape starter kit programme achieve?
The Government aims for Smokefree 2025 but free vape kits may only help fewer than 500 quit smoking. Achieving the goal requires over 82,000 people to stop, especially in Māori and Pacific groups. The kits may assist long-term quitting, but the impact is limited. Policy changes are needed for significant reductions. Distributing all vape kits provided would see about 466 successfully quitting, a small fraction of the goal. To reach the target, denicotinisation could be key. Cost-effectiveness calculations suggest scaling up the program may fall short. Overall, urgent and evidence-based measures are necessary for substantial progress toward Smokefree 2025.
April 11, 2025 by filtermag.org
Smear Tactics Against THR Advocates Reflected in NZ Media Ruling
Tobacco harm reduction advocates face misinformation and smears, as shown by the recent conflict involving ASH NZ and ThreeNews in New Zealand. The Broadcasting Standards Authority ruled against biased reporting and ordered corrective actions and costs. Similar experiences have been faced by THR advocate Dr. Mendelsohn in Australia. Such attacks undermine credibility and divert focus from important work. Despite controversial funding sources, advocates believe in the importance of evidence-based arguments. Ultimately, the harm reduction cause and smokers seeking help suffer the most from these smear campaigns. Promoting balanced and responsible discourse remains crucial in the field of harm reduction.
April 07, 2025 by rnz.co.nz
Vaping research finds e-cigarette vapour kills lung cells
Researchers in New Zealand are investigating the long-term health effects of vaping, especially among youth who are increasingly using e-cigarettes. Concerns about the impact on respiratory health and potential diseases are growing, as vaping is relatively new compared to smoking. Studies have found various chemicals and heavy metals in vape aerosols, raising safety questions. Efforts to address vaping addiction include proposing plain, tobacco-flavored vapes to reduce the appeal to young users. New Zealand's upcoming regulations will ban disposable vapes and limit displays in stores, aligning with research efforts to understand the health implications of vaping.
April 01, 2025 by rnz.co.nz
Has tobacco tax hit its limit?
Tobacco excise tax in New Zealand has increased over the years, leading to a rise in prices and a decline in legal consumption. Revenue dropped while seizures of illegal cigarettes at the border increased. High prices may be driving consumers to the black market. Vaping is seen as a more accessible and affordable alternative. Tax has been effective in reducing smoking rates but is becoming burdensome for low-income households. Strategies to make safer alternatives like vaping more affordable are crucial. The impact of high taxes on the smoking population and illicit tobacco consumption needs continued evaluation to balance public health goals with social consequences.
March 21, 2025 by theconversation.com
The tobacco lobby claims vaping is displacing youth smoking – a close look at the evidence tells another story
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
GFN News #140 | NEW ZEALAND'S ASTOUNDING THR SUCCESS | Featuring Will Godfrey
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
We asked young people if they wanted tighter vaping regulation to phase out nicotine – here’s what they said
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
Less-restrictive vaping laws linked to faster smoking decline
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
Our Study Spotlights How Vaping Can Reduce Health Disparities
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
Do the differing vaping and smoking trends in Australia and New Zealand reflect different regulatory policies?
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.