New Zealand Survey Finds Adult Daily Vaping Prevalence at 11.7%, Concentrated Among Youth and Disadvantaged Groups）

Key Takeaways

• The daily vaping rate among New Zealand adults aged 15 and over has reached 11.7%, with particularly high prevalence among those aged 18–24 (23.0%) and 15–17 (13.6%).
• Māori and Pacific peoples record substantially higher daily vaping rates than European/Other and Asian populations.
• Daily vaping prevalence is 21.1% among residents in the most socioeconomically deprived areas, compared with 7.2% in the most affluent communities, showing a clear concentration in disadvantaged areas.
• As vaping uptake rises rapidly, the overall daily use of nicotine products in New Zealand increased from 14.7% in 2019/20 to 17.1% in 2024/25.
• New regulations taking effect in June 2025—banning disposable vapes, restricting flavours and displays, and tightening enforcement on underage sales—are not yet reflected in this survey, with researchers calling for continued regulatory strengthening to balance harm reduction and prevention of new addiction.

2Firsts, December 5, 2025 — According to a report released by the Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa (PHCC), based on the 2024–25 New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS) data titled “Vaping prevalence and trends: Findings from the 2024–25 NZ Health Survey”, daily vaping among New Zealand adults remains elevated, with significant disparities across youth, Indigenous and minority groups, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.

PHCC’s analysis of the 2024/25 NZHS shows that 11.7% of New Zealanders aged 15 and above vape daily, up slightly from 2023/24. By age group, daily use is highest among those aged 18–24 (23.0%), while 15–17-year-olds also record a notable rate of 13.6%. Individuals aged 25–34 have a daily prevalence of 20.5%.

By ethnicity, Māori and Pacific peoples show much higher daily vaping rates than European/Other and Asian populations, at 27.5% and 20.0% respectively.

Socioeconomic disparities are similarly pronounced. Daily vaping prevalence reaches 21.1% in the most deprived communities (deprivation quintile 5), compared with just 7.2% in the most affluent areas.

The report notes that although daily smoking rates have continued to fall in recent years, the rise in vaping has driven an increase in the overall proportion of people who use any nicotine product daily (either smoking or vaping), rising from 14.7% in 2019/20 to 17.1% in 2024/25.

The PHCC also highlights that forthcoming regulations—effective June 2025 and covering a ban on disposable vapes, restrictions on flavours and packaging/online displays, and stricter enforcement against sales to minors—are not reflected in this survey cycle.

While acknowledging that vaping may offer a lower-harm alternative for smokers, the report stresses public health concerns regarding uptake among people who have never smoked, particularly youth. Researchers call for further strengthening of regulatory measures to balance harm reduction with preventing new nicotine addiction.

Original report: Vaping prevalence and trends: Findings from the 2024-25 NZ Health Survey
 

Cover image: PHCC