Four of the seven parties candidates in Rongotai now support vapes being sold in pharmacies only, and have signed this petition. 

(Allowing over the counter purchase seems an important difference for some, certainly helping to undermine black market fear promoted by vape shops. One candidate however preferred the Australian protocol, but signed considering that the petition was in the right direction.)

They are Julie Anne Genter (Green), Geoff Mills (NZ First), Karuna Muthu ( National), Bruce Welsh (New Conservative)

Julie Anne Genter signing is particularly significant, as she is a major representative of the party, and was only going to sign if the petition fitted with Greens policy on vapes going into the election. She has discussed the petition with Chloe Swarbrick, the Green Party spokesperson on vaping and who pushed Labour to ban disposable vapes. Greens taking a lead on dental care, with a slightly modified policy then adopted by Labour, hopefully will be replicated here in influencing Labour.

Labour are still unsure what to do. Dr Verrall has said the emerging vape issues, referring to rate of uptake, serious problems in schools etc, have made the amendment now out of date. When David Seymour of ACT suggested restricting vape sales to alcohol outlets Dr Verrall said this may be good! So, with Chris Hipkins proposing massive closure of specialty vape shops, fundamental changes are afoot in that party's policy. Labour candidates who sign the petition would help nudge the party to take a clear responsible position.

A difference between vaping and alcohol is of course that alcohol is not considered to be toxic if consumed responsibly by adults. We have enzymes in the gastrointestinal system which break down ethanol, the G-I lining has many festures protecting against damage by ethanol. Vaping is toxic due to multiple factors, including the nature of the airways and lungs in relation to vape gas exposure. Putting vapes in alcohol outlets would send a message to kids, and adults, that the government endorses vaping and that vapes are absolutely fine for general use by adults.

Please keep discussing this, especially with your electorate candidates.

Adding a candidate name, if they sign, to the discussion below will ensure they are listed in update sent out to the 1000s of people who have already signed.