Read articles from New Zealand

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.

October 07, 2024 by gfn.tv

New Zealand takes another step in its smokefree journey with its latest vaping proposals, but how will New Zealand's last minute change to these vaping restrictions impact people looking to quit smoking in the country, and will these new measures have a real-world impact on youth vaping? Joining us is Nancy Loucas who will guide us through New Zealand's latest efforts to combat youth vaping.

October 07, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Dr. Marewa Glover emphasized how New Zealand's adoption of vaping helped halve its smoking rate in just five years. She urged governments globally to embrace tobacco harm reduction products to save lives. New Zealand and Sweden serve as successful examples, with Sweden reducing smoking rates by 55% in a decade through safer alternatives like snus. New Zealand's Ministry of Health endorsed vaping for smoking cessation, leading to a significant decrease in smoking rates. Glover compared New Zealand's success with Australia's restrictive approach, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based harm reduction strategies in reducing smoking-related deaths worldwide.

October 04, 2024 by 1news.co.nz

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon disagree on a tax break for Philip Morris' heated tobacco product. Costello's plan to shift smokers to heated products was impacted by regulations on vaping devices. Luxon is not familiar with the products but supports childproofing smoking alternatives. Costello and Luxon clash on whether the tax cut benefits Philip Morris. Costello released five documents of purported independent advice on heated tobacco. Treasury warns of potential health risks and uncertain impacts of the tax break. Various studies on smoking alternatives and industry tactics are highlighted.

October 02, 2024 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates criticizes New Zealand's plan to ban closed vaping systems, arguing it hinders harm reduction progress and may lead ex-smokers back to cigarettes. The proposal neglects consumer choice, disproportionately impacting older users and those with dexterity issues. The focus on restrictions overlooks key issues like youth access and smoking cessation. CAPHRA stresses the need for evidence-based policies, urging a reevaluation in favor of education, enforcement, and transparent communication. The group advocates for access to regulated harm reduction products to combat smoking-related diseases in the Asia-Pacific region.

September 24, 2024 by rnz.co.nz

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello denies ties with the tobacco industry amid criticisms for reversing smokefree laws and promoting heated tobacco products. Despite controversy, she affirms commitment to Smokefree 2025 but faces skepticism from researchers like Chris Bullen. Bullen doubts the feasibility of meeting the 2025 goal and warns against reversing smokefree laws and introducing new nicotine products without thorough testing. Costello supports making smoking alternatives more accessible but emphasizes the need for robust regulations.

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.