The tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategy in New Zealand is proving to be highly effective, and the country is making strides towards achieving its goal of becoming a smoke-free nation by 2025," said Nancy Loucas, co-founder of Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy (AVCA).
Her comments were made after the government released statistical data that showed New Zealand's smoking rate had dropped from 9.4% a year ago to a historic low of 8% of people smoking every day.
The smoking rate in New Zealand is now half of what it was ten years ago. In just the past year, the number of smokers has decreased by 56,000 individuals. Given the additional pressures brought on by the pandemic and the ever-increasing cost of living, this is truly fantastic," said Ms. Loucas.
It is worth noting that Maori people have an overall daily smoking rate as low as 19.9%, which is lower than the 22.3% in 2020/21. Meanwhile, 8.3% of New Zealand adults now vape every day.
The AVCA has commended the government's efforts in making smoking cessation services more accessible and introducing customized services from Maori and Pacific providers to boost profits.
During Covid lockdowns and restrictions, smoking rates have increased in other countries, but New Zealand has once again gone against the trend. This is because our Health Ministry and healthcare providers have adopted a Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) strategy, which has successfully transformed smokers into using electronic cigarettes as a safe and highly effective tool to quit smoking, according to Ms. Loucas.
The AVCA believes that New Zealand can achieve a smoke-free Aotearoa by 2025, where 5% or less of the population smoke regularly.
Another push for the ten-year national goal will be a smoke-free environment and revised regulations on smoking tobacco products. The Health Special Committee of the Parliament will submit its report before December 1st.
Dr. Ayesha Verrall, Deputy Minister of Health, aims to pass smoke-free legislation by the end of this year. The legislation would decrease the number of retail stores able to sell tobacco, reduce the appeal of cigarettes, and ensure that the next generation will never sell tobacco.
Dr. Verrall has strongly advocated using the THR method to reduce deadly smoking. Recently, she stated, "We need to continue supporting smokers to successfully switch to less harmful products.
New Zealand is showcasing to the world how to achieve a smoke-free culture. These latest statistics further demonstrate that countries employing the THR public health approach are ultimately saving many lives," said Nancy Loucas.
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