Vaping is an issue that is affecting too many rangatahi across Aotearoa.
Our priority is the health and wellbeing of whānau, and that includes protecting tamariki and rangatahi from preventable harm. We know that the best outcome for respiratory health is to live both smokefree and vapefree, and we fully support the position of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ on this.
While vaping, alongside strong quit-smoking support, may help some people stop using tobacco, the current environment is not striking the right balance, and far too many young people are being exposed to and taking up vaping. This is not acceptable, and our hapori are already seeing the consequences.
We recognise that vaping can play a role as a quit-smoking tool when combined with wraparound support, and we understand the Ministry of Health’s challenge in balancing access for adults who want to quit tobacco with the need to protect rangatahi and non-smokers. But that balance is currently off, and the health of our rangatahi is at risk.
Te Tiratū IMPB supports stronger regulation to reduce harm and protect future generations. We back calls to reduce maximum nicotine concentrations to 20mg/ml, in line with international best practice, to lower the risk of addiction. We support stronger enforcement of existing rules so that rangatahi cannot easily access vaping products, with meaningful penalties for those who break the law.
We also call for limiting the number and location of vape retailers, keeping them away from schools and kura, and closing loopholes that allow dairies and convenience stores to operate as specialist vaping retailers.
We welcome recent Government proposals to tighten restrictions, but more needs to be done, and done urgently. Our communities have already experienced the harms of widely available addictive products, and we cannot allow vaping to follow the same path.
Te Tiratū IMPB stands with the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation in calling for decisive action that prioritises rangatahi, strengthens whānau wellbeing, and creates a truly smokefree and vapefree future.
We will continue to advocate for policies that protect Māori health and equity, support evidence-based approaches to smoking cessation, amplify the voices of whānau and communities, and work alongside partners to reduce harm and improve outcomes. A smokefree, vapefree future is possible, but it requires urgent action now to protect those most at risk.
