Otago study sends mixed messages on best quit smoking tool
A University of Otago study that claims the transition from cigarettes to vaping is not as straightforward as many think is not helpful to the many Kiwis desperate to quit smoking, says one leading Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocate. “The process of kicking cigarettes, via vaping, is never straightforward and it does vary from smoker to […]
Vaping product standards behind a paywall – disappointing
After 2,518 submissions on the latest draft vaping regulations, it’s disappointing that local vape businesses and advocates have had to jump on a plane or dig deep into their pockets to view what’s proposed,” says a leading Tobacco Harm Reduction advocate. The Government has gazetted the ‘Notice of Proposed Quality Standards for Vaping Substance Ingredients’, […]
Concerns about youth vaping already well addressed
Media stories about youth vaping are deeply concerning but significant changes have been made in the past year with more coming,” says Nancy Loucas, co-director of the Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy (AVCA). Her comments follow a story on Maori television show, The Hui. It investigated ‘the uptake of vaping amongst rangatahi, which is leading to […]
Cigarette smuggling will worsen if vaping not promoted
If the Government’s smokefree action plan does not adequately elevate nicotine vaping as the much safer alternative, then cigarette smuggling will become a bigger problem at New Zealand’s border, says a leading Kiwi Tobacco Harm Reduction advocate. Her comments follow a media investigation which revealed Customs is currently seizing around 125,000 smuggled cigarettes and 155 […]
Attacks on vaping, politically timed
Alarmist media stories on vaping are politically timed to inflict the most damage on a practice that’s saving thousands of New Zealanders’ lives, claims a leading Tobacco Harm Reduction advocate. Her comments follow a frontpage nationwide newspaper story, headlined ‘Vaping – at 10’. “Why don’t we see ‘Smoking – at 10’, ‘Drinking – at 10’, […]
Vape flavour petition dismissed despite mounting evidence
Fifteen months after a Parliamentary petition supporting ongoing access to vape flavours closed, and nearly a year after it was referred to the Health Select Committee, it has finally been reported and ruled on with the official response described as woeful. Petition organiser, Nancy Loucas, who is co-director of Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy (AVCA), said […]
Minister seeking broad views on smokefree applauded
Official information reveals Associate Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall is doing well to engage with a broad range of health entities and opinion ahead of the Government finalising its smokefree action plan, says a leading Tobacco Harm Reduction advocate. Ministerial diary records show that Dr Verrall held teleconferences ahead of releasing the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Action Plan […]
Time for enforcement not education on vape purchases
Reports that minors are still able to purchase vape products from some convenience stores is deeply concerning, says New Zealand’s leading consumer vaping group. “The overwhelming majority of vape retailers are responsible, requesting age identification, and only selling to those who can prove they’re 18 years or older. It’s disappointing then when media stings reveal […]
Kiwis celebrate World Vape Day, but more action required – AVCA
Kiwi ex-smokers and vaping advocates will celebrate World Vape Day on Sunday, 30 May – the first since New Zealand legislated and regulated vaping. However, much more effort is required to achieve Smokefree Aotearoa with submissions on the Government’s action plan set to close, say tobacco harm reduction proponents. “World Vape Day is a celebration […]
Budget to enable health reforms positive for smokefree
“The Budget’s establishment funding to enable significant health reforms is positive news for those wanting a more centralised, concerted national health effort to achieve the likes of Smokefree Aotearoa,” says a leading tobacco harm reduction advocate. Her comments follow Finance Minister Grant Robertson today announcing that Budget 2021 includes funding to begin the transition from […]