New Zealand Considers Ban of E-cigarettes for Minors

On May 2, following the decision by the Australian government to ban disposable e-cigarettes, neighboring country New Zealand has no plans to follow suit and ban all electronic cigarette products for recreational use. This is because these products need to remain "on-demand" with the strengthening of tobacco regulations.

Christopher Luxon, the leader of the New Zealand National Party, has expressed his willingness to explore all possible options including a ban on electronic cigarettes. He believes that the current policies related to e-cigarette products in New Zealand are incorrect.

Lusen's viewpoint is based on survey and statistical data. According to data from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the proportion of 10th-grade students in New Zealand who use e-cigarettes daily is higher than that of adults.

In 2022, 10.1% of 10th graders use e-cigarettes daily, a 0.5 percentage point increase from 9.6% in 2021, marking a growth of over three times since 2019.

Meanwhile, the number of 10th grade students who smoke every day continues to decline, dropping from 4.2% in 2021 to 3% in 2022.

Although statistics show a worsening trend in underage e-cigarette use, New Zealand's Minister of Health, Ayesha Verrall, believes that e-cigarettes are an important tool to help people quit smoking, especially for those who have recently quit.

She addressed the issue of underage e-cigarette use, but stressed the importance of striking a balance between aiding smokers in quitting while also preventing young people from accessing e-cigarettes.

We have not yet found a balance point.

She said that the government has been discussing and deliberating on various proposals. These proposals include the flavors, brands, disposable e-cigarettes, and the setting up of sales points near schools. However, enacting legislation on these results will take time, and there is no time left to do so this year.

She emphasized that "electronic cigarettes play an important role in helping people quit smoking, and New Zealand will make purchasing tobacco very difficult.

Further reading:

Australia to ban disposable electronic cigarettes and limit e-cigarette flavors.

New Zealand doctor's group calls for e-cigarettes to be classified as prescription drugs.

New Zealand Prime Minister believes that electronic cigarettes can effectively help smokers quit.

References:

The New Zealand government does not intend to implement a vaping ban similar to Australia's, while National Party leader Christopher Luxon is willing to consider all options regarding vaping.