Growing up, I watched friends and classmates succumb to the allure of vaping, unaware of the potential risks and health consequences. Neither of us knew then the extent to which nicotine addiction would take hold of a community of young people, many of whom never touched a cigarette in their lives. This issue hits close to home, as this unfortunate trend continues unabated in New Zealand.

There is an undeniable rise in youth vaping rates across the country—a situation that is steadily spiraling out of control. It's critical to emphasize that vaping was initially introduced as an aid for ex-cigarette smokers—a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking—not a gateway habit for our younger generations.

In New Zealand, it's all too easy for young people to obtain vapes, contributing to a significant public health concern. This calls for a reevaluation of our current vaping policy. We need a solution that mirrors Australia's successful approach—restrict the sale of vaping products to pharmacies, available only through a prescription. This model ensures that vaping products remain accessible to those who genuinely need them as smoking cessation aids, while also protecting our youth from unwanted exposure and potential nicotine dependency.

The public concerns are substantial: a generation teetering on the brink of a health crisis, addiction levels rising, and numerous health implications that we are yet to fully understand. Given that nicotine addiction can pave the way for further substance abuse and additional health complications, it is imperative that we act with urgency.

By adopting a prescription-only policy for vaping products sold through pharmacies in New Zealand, we can drastically curb youth access to these devices. Such regulatory measures would ensure controlled distribution and use, focusing resources and attention where they truly belong—helping current smokers quit rather than trapping new users.

What we are proposing is not without precedent or possibility. Australia has successfully implemented this strategy, setting a remarkable benchmark for us to follow. Their policy addresses both access and medical guidance, offering a controlled solution to what could otherwise become a public health disaster.

We must protect our youth and future generations from the unintended yet dangerous consequences of easy vape accessibility. Join me in calling upon the New Zealand government to change our vaping policy to prescription-based sales through pharmacies only. By making this change, we can harness vaping for its intended purpose while safeguarding our youth and public health. Please sign this petition and help us make a meaningful change for the health and future of our communities.