On November 11, 2020, the "2020 Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act" came into effect in New Zealand. Two years later, New Zealand passed a landmark vaping legislation.
New Zealand's legislation and regulations may not be perfect, but they continue to set an example for other countries eager to combat tobacco. It's not the time to throw the baby out with the bathwater," said Nancy Lucas, co-founder of the New Zealand Vaping Advocacy Alliance.
The bill aims to ensure that smokers who want to switch to safer alternatives can use e-cigarette products and also ensure that these products are not sold or distributed to minors. It seeks to strike a balance between promoting the use of e-cigarettes for harm reduction and preventing their use among young people.
Ms. Lucas stated that while New Zealand continues to implement various industry regulations, the requirements that went into immediate effect two years ago have had a positive impact.
Starting from November 11th, 2020, the use of electronic cigarettes is prohibited in workplaces, schools, childcare centers, and other locations. Sales of electronic cigarette products to individuals under the age of 18, as well as all advertising and sponsorships related to electronic cigarette products, are also prohibited. "If youth e-cigarette use is a problem, the solution isn't changing the law, because it's already abundant. The solution lies in parental responsibility and greater enforcement by regulatory agencies. Those found selling e-cigarettes to minors may face severe penalties. Any rogue retailer now has to face the consequences, as they make good legislation look bad," Ms. Lucas said.
The New Zealand E-Cigarette Advocacy Group has stated that the title of the Ministry of Health's website on e-cigarettes being "less harmful than smoking" is also world-leading.
New Zealand is currently engaged in a public battle to achieve a smoke-free status by 2025, which would mean reducing smoking rates to 5% or below. In comparison, Australia's ban on selling safer nicotine products and scaremongering tactics with publicly-funded campaigns have had little impact in reducing smoking rates in recent years, according to a spokesperson. In order to further curb the appeal and availability of deadly tobacco, the Health Select Committee will deliver a report on amendments to create smoke-free environments and regulated products, including traditional tobacco, by December 1st.
Ms. Lucas stated that now is the time for a strict crackdown on tobacco, rather than re-prosecuting the electronic cigarette rules and regulations that were fiercely debated and scrutinized by parliament and health leaders. "Governments, politicians, and officials from around the world continue to study the work that New Zealand has done in reducing smoking rates and achieving a smoke-free goal. Maintaining its harm reduction approach to tobacco is how New Zealand will suppress tobacco and save thousands of lives each year," said Nancy Lucas.
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