Health NZ seeking to give more vaping kits to smokers wanting to quit, talks up PR benefits to suppliers
October 10, 2025 by nzherald.co.nz
Health NZ seeking to give more vaping kits to smokers wanting to quit, talks up PR benefits to suppliers
Health NZ's pilot programme provided vapes to 29 smoking cessation programs. Approximately 33% of 4326 individuals who quit smoking in seven months used the vaping kits. Health NZ is seeking quotes for more vapes to potentially continue the program permanently, depending on results. Vapes with various nicotine strengths and flavors are being requested. The pilot's success has prompted confidence in the continuation of supplying vapes. However, concerns have been raised by medical professionals and organizations regarding the approach of using vapes as a smoking cessation tool due to limited evidence supporting its efficacy and potential risks.
8.60% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 364,000 current smokers in New Zealand.
SOURCE: GSTHR
