ASH (Action for smokefree2025) professes to be interested in lung health but astoundingly states 'We are winning' and 'we are getting on top of daily vaping' and 'the regulations are working'. A look at their own stats and those of the government survey show the opposite is the case. The vape industry will be delighted that ASH is stating this widely in the NZ media.

ASPIRE another university-affiliated group allegedly concerned about health and vaping appear weak in speaking out about real changes needed. 

Neither group, nor the government with its current protocols including 'new regulations', will help NZ overcome its status of having nearly the highest vaping rates in the world. 

I sent this to the editor of the Post following a story at the weekend about current vaping trends in NZ. https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360901319/new-youth-vape-data-offers-glimmer-hope-advocates-unconvinced

Dear Editor

I am a retired health educator in tertiary institutions, and this included post grad cardiothoracic nursing.

Here is my letter:

The Post article on NZ vaping trends (30 Nov) states a range of views from the positive of the ASH Chair saying 'kids seem to be getting vaping under control', to the Vape Free Kids coordinator describing a clear and disturbing increase in youth vaping stats. Note that the positives vanish overall with a little further inspection. Reduced visibility at shop fronts has indeed occurred, with some exceptions, but that's about it. The 'disposables ban' does not include those which are identical but have removable batteries. The package labelling requirements stated are still only about nicotine! These are cosmetic changes. No statement is required of the other hazardous chemicals in the vape liquid, even though these are at concentrations known for many years to cause harm, or any statement of what that harm is. eg propylene glycol, used in all vapes to deliver nicotine to the air sacs causes inflammation, vaping more than doubles chances of developing the serious COPD (chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder), etc. See public online advice from the Mayo Clinic, the most respected medical clinic in the world, about vaping and how to quit nicotine addiction. Compare with the NZ Department of Health online advice which understates, and in parts denies, vape risks. The government survey stats of the last year were that nearly 14% of 15-17 year olds and over 25% of 17-24 year olds vape daily. Even if these were inexact NZ vaping is clearly at severe epidemic proportions. Vaping to reduce tobacco smoking never justified the criminal lack of clear statement of known risks from regular use. Encouragement and support to quit vaping addiction is urgently needed. 
New Ministers and Associate Ministers of Health along with new faces in the Opposition in Health may be required to get NZ really facing the powerful tobacco and vaping industry and start taking care of NZ lungs. 

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