August 06, 2020
Vaping law boost to Smokefree Aotearoa target
Anti-smoking group ASH says the long-awaited vaping law is a chance to help 500,000 New Zealanders quit smoking through a much less harmful alternative.
The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act was passed last night.
Last minute amendments were made to ensure vaping products are available in isolated communities and information can be widely provided to those trying to switch to vaping.
ASH director Deborah Hart says while she is disappointed the bill bans oral nicotine, which is another quit smoking tool, and it severely limits vape flavours, it is a major step in getting New Zealand to its agreed target of smokefree 2025.
Smoking is the number one cause of preventable death in New Zealand, and there is a much higher smoking prevalence among low-income groups, Māori and Pacific.
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