The following is primarily an update on the way in which NZ is allowing the lowly status of 'country most exploited by the vaping industry' to persist, with multiparty encouragement and support.
The photo is from the following disturbing and important RNZ article
Until we have, as from the US and Australia governments, clear health warnings and government-funded vape and nicotine quitting programmes, along with legal requirement to conceal vapes from view, the government is complicit and as such reprehensible.
A much publicised rally about addressing vaping in school children particularly was held yesterday by an impressive group, who do more than anyone in NZ to address the vaping epidemic here. I watched the video on their facebook page. I immensely admire their work and effort and consider their approach is vital in helping inform the NZ public about certain realities of what is happening in NZ, and hope they engender even more support.
The following questions just one aspect of the rally. But it results I believe from the primary and very important functions of the group being to share the many many stories of vaping impacting on children and their families, to provide support for affected families, education about vaping etc. They are as they say a group of parents, not scientists or politicians. They are, perhaps as a result, more trusting of Labour statement of concern than I believe is justified but maybe partly wanted a major MP involved in health to attend.
That said, congratulations to them for, as usual, providing a well prepared, moving and important event in addressing vaping in our youth.
It was the repeated enthusiastic thanks to Ayesha Verrall for attending and speaking which was the issue for me and needs comment, even though I am sure many in the group who organised the rally are aware of the following, concerned about the issues, and were as mentioned mainly keen to have a high profile politician speak. Also, every speaker did get enthusiastic applause.
Dr Verrall was the Minister of Health for the Labour Government which in consultation with members of the Greens Party, set up a bogus amendment which she still as a shadow Minister of Health supports. Yesterday she reiterated concern about how vaping needs to be better regulated, but this is mere hollow talk as, as we know, re the Labour government and the amendment:
1. the amendment allowed many months for new vape shops to establish themselves near schools before the September minimum of 300 m rule from schools for specialty vape shops (SVR) was enacted with existing shops on the cut off day permitted to remain there. During that interval a predictable rapid proliferation of SVRs near schools occurred. Their attractive candy-shop appearance, clear display of attractive shiny wares, open doors with only an R18 sign, no health warnings to be seen. These shops loudly proclaim their wares, and the sweet alluring smell of the vapes wafts out if someone inside is vaping. The 600 maximum SVRs was a pre-election 'promise' not part of the amendment would have no impact on these non-specialist outlets. How it would have been implemented was unclear, 'sinking lid' policy? ie very slow if ever occurring
2. the amendment legally allows all! retailers to buy a one-off licence to display and sell 3 flavours of vapes, and so service stations, dairies, chemists all sell them, again with no health warnings
3. the Labour material, still online under the Coalition, provides information labelled vape risks but instead of clear statement of vape risks it is more a reassurance about how they are a really good alternative to tobacco https://vapingfacts.health.nz/the-facts-of-vaping/risks-of-vaping/ Compare with Australian online advice: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/smoking-vaping-and-tobacco/about-vaping or US online advice: https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/knowtherisks.html#aerosol-exposure
4. the amendment does not have any recommendation for government quitting programmes for vaping or for nicotine addiction, just for tobacco, with the strong recommendation being to vape
5. the amendment permits ongoing easy online purchase
6. the amendment refers to a disposable vapes ban but removable batteries have made a technical difference so this ban would be meaningless
Labour talks about Smoke Free Aotearoa but it only refers to tobacco. Vaping is the recommended cure.
The secondary school principal who spoke at the rally said tobacco cigarette smoking disappeared in schools when tobacco restrictions were brought in, together with high cost. There was a sustained period of no use of any cigarettes. Clearly it was not vaping causing a switch in the school scenario. Then after the sustained period of no smoking this strange new habit crept in and is now a huge problem. He referred to the major three factors of marketing, availability and cost, with marketing targeted to youth, and ready availability being the clue to addressing vaping.
One presenter stated prescription only was the answer.
The new government must clearly not follow Labour's lead on vaping, just on tobacco. Otherwise they are still embedding NZ in the highest but one global vaping epidemic status it currently has, and ensuring more children become addicted and NZ having both no understanding of vape health risks or means of quitting. Labour, Greens, Te Pati Maori must work towards this, and remember vaping is toxic for adults too. Do these parties want to support this industry?