The Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Peeni Henare, publicly stated last week he hadn't seen any evidence of a vaping epidemic in our youth.(1)

This is at odds with published data of years ago, let alone now.

2021 published research by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation found 1 in 5 NZ youth regularly vaped, and that year their findings were published in the major newspapers.(2)

Dr Bryan Betty, the familiar face on NZ health matters, President of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, RNZCGP, and at the 'coal-face' clinically, said in March this year that he would like vapes to be strictly a smoking cessation tool, restricted to pharmacies, or available through Quitline, like nicotine patches. (3)

Precedents of strict vape regulation in 47 countries demonstrate the very real concern of vaping effects. (4)

Life insurance costs more if you vape, according to the Money Hub which states: 'Smoking, whether it is tobacco or vaping, directly increases your risk profile to an insurer, and for that reason the price increases.'(5)

All the above, and the very public dismay about vaping scenarios in our communities, especially where children are involved but also for those adults unaware of vaping risks, and across demographic groups requires broad responsible leadership in this issue.

Any party demonstrating such leadership would be very visible given the widespread concern, across party divides, and have greater appeal on election day, should that be a factor in any decision making... 

1. https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2023/08/dozens-protest-at-parliament-for-tougher-vape-regulations-so-how-did-politicians-respond.html
2. https://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/wellington/126843489/vaping-surging-in-nz-teens-with-oneinfive-using-ecigarettes-daily
3. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/health-agencies-call-for-vapes-to-be-prescription-only/SBWSTX75AFHE3FXODLWF6S5SOM/?ref=readmore
4. https://profglantz.files.wordpress.com/2021/11/countries-with-ecig-bans-2021-003.pdf
5. https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/life-insurance-for-smokers-and-vapers.html