New Zealand Vaping Community Advocates Call for More Flavor Options

Nancy Loucas, the co-founder of New Zealand's Aotearoa Vapers community advocacy organization, said, "Dairy business owners are right that allowing only three flavors of e-cigarettes for sale will not help New Zealand achieve a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025.

As leading advocates for reducing the harm caused by tobacco issue a commentary, the Health Special Committee of the Parliament is currently reviewing proposed amendments regarding smoke-free environments and regulated products (smoked tobacco).

Dairy and business owner associations are accusing the government of destroying thousands of small businesses that restrict the sale of electronic cigarette products (including flavorings).

Since the legislation and subsequent regulations on e-cigarettes were passed in 2020, only licensed specialty e-cigarette retailers (SVRs) are allowed to store the full range of flavors. General retailers such as dairy sellers are limited to selling only mint, menthol, and tobacco essences.

The AVCA has stated that dedicated and truly independent SVRs are performing well. However, issues seem to arise when a dairy factory divides a portion of their store as an SVR, allowing them to sell various flavors. AVCA considers this a cynical move that requires more attention.

There are significant inconsistencies between the level of product expertise available to consumers and the enforcement of regulatory bodies. Retailers often lack proper training. While they are required to only sell closed-system products, such as pods, to individuals over 18 years of age, this requirement does not apply to open systems," said Ms. Loucas.

The AVCA has stated that the two main issues concerning youth vaping are still the lack of law enforcement and parental responsibility. The issue does not lie with e-cigarettes themselves. Ayesha Verrall, the Deputy Minister of Health, recently stated: "We need to continue to support smokers in successfully transitioning to less harmful products.

The government's bill limits the number of retailers allowed to sell smoked tobacco products and prohibits the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after 2009, with the aim of reducing the appeal and addictive qualities of tobacco products.

Over the past decade, the overall smoking rate in New Zealand has decreased by half, largely thanks to the use of e-cigarettes. The country is aiming to become smoke-free by 2025, with a goal of reducing smoking rates by 5%.

The AVCA has stated that significant adjustments to the legislation on electronic cigarettes in 2020 will greatly help reduce opportunities for minors to be exposed to them and ensure that smokers who are interested in switching to e-cigarettes receive better advice. However, the advocacy group believes that tobacco must now become a priority for parliament.

Last week, ASH urged the government to continue addressing "the deaths and harm caused by smoking." Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of premature death in Aotearoa, resulting in approximately 5,000 deaths per year. In the 15 years since e-cigarettes have been used here, not a single person has died from them.

Nancy Lucas stated, "Let us first crush the deadly combustible tobacco. Let us also apprehend any rogue retailers selling e-cigarette products to minors or claiming to be professional e-cigarette sellers.

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