Tag: New Zealand

GSTHR Report Finds Vapes Help Smokers Quit
The latest Briefing Paper from the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction (GSTHR), a project from public health agency Knowledge·Action·Change (KAC), focuses on Aotearoa New Zealand’s remarkable journey towards “smokefree” status.
“Pro-consumer laws and an endorsement for vaping: why smoking is disappearing in Aotearoa New Zealand” tells the story of the country’s rapid and growing embrace of vaping, which overtook smoking in 2022, and provides another vital case study showcasing the potential of tobacco harm reduction through the adoption of safer nicotine products (SNP), following recent GSTHR Briefing Papers on Japan and the United Kingdom. This country profile also features in The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction 2024: A Situation Report published last month.
While Aotearoa, New Zealand, had been experiencing falling smoking rates for the last 50 years, this decline gathered pace following the widespread adoption and, in 2018, the legalization of nicotine vaping products. Thanks to the Government’s step change in vaping policy, Aotearoa New Zealand now has a considerable chance of reaching its “Smokefree 2025” goal, a designation indicating that smoking prevalence has been reduced to below 5%.
David MacKintosh, a director for KAC, said the Briefing Paper explores the rapid trajectory of Aotearoa New Zealand’s progress in reducing smoking, the approaches that have underpinned this, and the lessons that can be learned.
“By embracing vaping as a tool for smoking cessation, policymakers are accelerating the transition away from cigarettes and their associated harms,” he said. “More needs to be done in addressing high smoking rates in some groups, notably among Māori communities, which contributes significantly to health disparities in the country. However, the experiences and success of Aotearoa New Zealand provide food for thought for many other countries seeking to tackle smoking.”
This would be a remarkable achievement given the smoking rate in 1976 was 40% for men and 32% for women. This has now fallen to the point where only 8.3% of adults smoked in 2023. In the same year 11.9% of adults vaped in the country, up from 1.4% in 2016. But while the overall smoking figures are low, they mask much higher rates within some communities. Daily smoking prevalence for Maori, who make up 16% of the country’s population, was 17.1% in 2022/2023, which is in stark contrast to the 6.1% rate for people of European descent.
Alongside regulatory oversight of vaping products to ensure quality and safety, a key factor has been the proactive encouragement of vaping as a tool for smoking cessation by the Government. The Ministry of Health has provided official resources for people looking to stop smoking with the help of vaping. Smokefree New Zealand, a smoking cessation resource run by the country’s publicly funded healthcare service Health New Zealand, has stated that “using vaping products is a legitimate option for those people who are trying to quit smoking”.
Through the Vaping Facts website, the Ministry of Health of New Zealand and Health New Zealand have also emphasized the Cochrane Review’s position that vaping is significantly safer than smoking.
Aotearoa New Zealand’s attitude to vaping is in direct contrast to its neighbor Australia, which has heavily restricted the availability of SNP by making nicotine available only in pharmacies. Australia has sought to reduce significantly the availability of safer nicotine products, which has led to the proliferation of a thriving black market in the absence of a legal market. Meanwhile, with its broadly supportive public health messaging, Aotearoa New Zealand has enabled consumers to make positive changes in their own volition, enabling them to switch from smoking to safer products.
These differences in approach have resulted in a marked difference in smoking rates between the two countries, with Australia’s smoking prevalence plateaued in recent years after many years of steady decline. Indeed, the current smoking prevalence for Australians aged 14 and over has only fallen slightly in the last five years, from 12.8% in 2018 to 11.8% in 2023.
It should be noted that Aotearoa New Zealand’s attitude towards vaping is not mirrored for all SNP. While heated tobacco products are also legal, the sale of both snus and nicotine pouches is banned. Still, as this Briefing Paper shows, Government and public health organizations in Aotearoa, New Zealand, working with consumers, have highlighted the crucial role that vaping can play in reducing smoking.
The country has demonstrated its ability to enact pro-consumer legislation effectively, and its consistent endorsement of some safer nicotine products has been a key component of its stop-smoking strategy. Central to this has been consumers, who have established a demand for safer products and proven to the Government that these products can and will exist despite initial legislative opposition.
December 20, 2024
Activists Celebrate Declining Smoking Rates

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New Zealand has achieved its Smoke-Free 2025 goal ahead of schedule, with smoking rates plummeting to unprecedented lows, according to the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA).
Data from the most recent New Zealand Health Survey reveals that smoking rates have fallen dramatically, particularly among youth. The decline has been so significant that statisticians now struggle to accurately measure the small proportion of young smokers due to sample size limitations, says the CAPHRA, which attributes the success to New Zealand’s accommodation of new nicotine products as tools to help nicotine users transition away from cigarettes.
“New Zealand’s success in reducing smoking rates is a testament to the country’s progressive approach to tobacco harm reduction,” said Nancy Loucas, executive coordinator of the CAPHRA. “By embracing vaping and other less harmful alternatives, we’ve seen smoking rates drop from 11.9 percent in 2020 to an astounding 6.8 percent in 2023. This is a clear indication that our strategy is working.”

Our success story should be a wake-up call for countries like Australia who are still clinging to prohibitionist policies.
Nancy Loucas, executive coordinator, CAPHRA
The success is particularly notable among young people, with youth smoking rates reaching historic lows. “The fact that we’re having difficulty measuring youth smoking rates due to their minuscule prevalence is a cause for celebration,” Loucas added. “It’s a clear sign that we’re winning the battle against smoking-related harm.”
Despite this undeniable success, some in the tobacco control and public health sectors seem reluctant to acknowledge the effectiveness of New Zealand’s approach, according to the CAPHRA.
“It’s perplexing that some individuals in tobacco control can’t seem to accept our successful strategy,” said Loucas. “We’ve achieved what many thought impossible, yet instead of celebrating, they’re focusing on potential issues with vaping. We need to recognize this victory and continue supporting policies that have proven effective in reducing smoking rates.”
The CAPHRA urges policymakers and health advocates worldwide to look to New Zealand as a model for successful tobacco harm reduction. The organization emphasizes the importance of embracing evidence-based approaches that include a range of less harmful alternatives to smoking.
“Our success story should be a wake-up call for countries like Australia who are still clinging to prohibitionist policies,” said Loucas. “It’s time to put aside preconceived notions and focus on what works—a pragmatic harm reduction approach that prioritizes public health over ideology.”
October 14, 2024
Battery Law Forces IQOS from Kiwi Store Shelves

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Philip Morris International pulled its IQOS tobacco heating device from New Zealand store shelves after a new law took effect requiring vaping devices to have removable batteries, reports RNZ. Tobacco heating products (THPs) are classified as e-cigarettes in New Zealand.
RNZ says it has seen PMI emails sent to suppliers saying IOQS is “unavailable for purchase due to a regulatory change on 1 October 2024 affecting vaping devices.” In a statement, the multinational said it always complies with all necessary regulations, including on electronic devices.
IQOS consumables, known as Heatsticks, remain available for sale in New Zealand.
The news follows controversy about Associate Health Minister Casey Costello’s July announcement of a 50 percent cut to THP excise taxes—a move that critics say benefits only PMI, which is the sole supplier of the products in New Zealand.
Costello argues the tax cut will encourage smokers to switch to THPs, which are believed to be less harmful than combustible cigarettes. Costello’s plan is to have more than 7,000 people switch to THPs, which she sees as a tool to achieve New Zealand’s smoking reduction targets.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has backed Costello, telling RNZ the excise tax cut plan was a 12 month trial to “see how it goes” with HTPs lowering smoking rates.
Health advocates have accused the ruling coalition of caving to pressure from tobacco lobbyists. In late 2023, the government scrapped the country’s controversial generational tobacco ban, which would have prohibited tobacco products for people born after 2009.
In a briefing published Jan. 31 by the Public Health Communications Center, three University of Otago public health academics highlight links between government members of parliament and the tobacco industry.
October 2, 2024
PMI Biggest Beneficiary of HTP Tax Cuts: Critics

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Philip Morris International would be the biggest beneficiary of New Zealand’s tax cuts for heated-tobacco products (HTPs), critics told Associate Health Minister Casey Costello, according to RNZ.
In July, Costello announced a 50 percent cut to HTP excise taxes, arguing that doing so would encourage cigarette smokers to migrate to less unhealthy nicotine products.
The government of New Zealand will set aside NZD216 million ($127.39 million) to pay for the tax reductions.
According to critics, the only commercial beneficiary of the tobacco tax cuts is PMI, which is the sole supplier of HTPs in New Zealand.
In briefings to Costello, treasury officials questioned whether PMI would pass on the excise cut to consumers given its dominance in the market, according to documents obtained by RNZ under the Official Information Act.
“It may be that the reduction in excise taxes is not passed through to consumers in price reductions but rather is retained by the sole importer,” the officials warned.
In response to questions about her motivations, Costello stated that she had no connections to the tobacco business. “It’s completely wrong to suggest that the tobacco industry has anything to do with these policies, which are aimed at helping people quit smoking,” she was quoted as saying.
Costello has repeatedly said the excise tax cut for HTPs is designed to lower smoking rates by offering alternatives for people struggling to quit. She has claimed that “HTPs have a similar risk profile to vapes.”
Treasury officials reportedly cited evidence that HTPs are more harmful than vaping.
September 30, 2024
New Zealand Cracks Down on Illegal Nicotine Sales

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New Zealand has started sentencing for repeat violators of its cigarette and vape laws, according to the ministry of health.
Christchurch tobacco retailer Canteros received a fine of NZD28,000 for eight breaches of the Smoke-free Environments and Regulated Products Act. The violations related to the selling, labeling and advertising of cigars.
The owner and an employee of Discount Specialist were fined a total of NZD8,000 for repeatedly selling single cigarettes and allowing tobacco products to be visible to the public inside the store.
While infringement notices with fees of NZD500 are routinely issued for sales of regulated products to minors, this chain of prosecutions is among the strongest action to be taken against illegal vape and cigarette sales to date.
In August, a Christchurch dairy owner was fined NZD56,000 under the act.
“A significant majority of retailers comply with the law and do not sell restricted products to young people, though it’s disappointing to see some retailers fail to abide by the law and sell cigarettes or vapes to children and young people,” said Jo Pugh, compliance manager at the national public health service.
“This compliance work is a high priority for the health agencies. We will continue to monitor and identify retailers who are not complying with the law.”
September 17, 2024
New Zealand Urged to Rethink Disposables Ban

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The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) is urging New Zealand to reconsider its proposed vaping regulations, which include a ban on closed systems, tighter limits on displays in retail shops and new flavor restrictions.
“This amendment will make it more difficult for adults who smoke to access vaping products, potentially pushing them back to smoking,” said CAPHRA Executive Coordinator Nancy Loucas. “It’s a step backward in our journey toward a smoke-free New Zealand.”
The CAPHRA submission highlights several concerns. According to the advocacy group, the ban disproportionately affects older adults and those with dexterity issues who rely on simpler closed systems. The proposed display restrictions, says CAPHRA, may deter smokers from switching to less harmful alternatives. Meanwhile, the focus on further display restrictions in retail shops ignores the real issue of social supply to youth, according to the organization, while flavor restrictions could hinder successful smoking cessation efforts.
“Consumers have the right to make informed choices about their health. This amendment proposes to restrict consumer autonomy and may hinder harm reduction efforts,” said Loucas.
“Even the Ministry of Health suggested that the regulations, as they are, are fit for purpose, and the ASH Year 10 survey has shown that youth vaping has declined from the peak a couple of years ago.
“CAPHRA calls for a more balanced approach, focusing on education and transparent risk communication. By highlighting the facts about vaping, who it is for and what it is, we can combat misinformation and support public health,” said Loucas.
September 16, 2024
Activists Decry Kiwi Disposables Ban

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Vaping activists have expressed concern about New Zealand’s decision to ban disposable e-cigarettes.
The New Zealand Ministry of Health announced the ban with the intention of reducing adolescent vaping. The new regulations prohibit the manufacture and sale of all non-rechargeable and non-refillable vapes, including single-use containers such as pre-filled tanks, pods and cartridges.
The World Vapers Alliance (WVA) warned that the ban could undermine New Zealand’s progress in reducing smoking rates.
“Preventing teenagers from using nicotine products is essential, and strict age regulations should be enforced to achieve this goal,” said WVA Policy Manager Alberto Gómez Hernández in a statement.
“However, banning disposable vapes and various pod systems for adult consumers will have negative public health implications and jeopardize the progress towards a smoke-free society achieved in the last decade. This approach fails to recognize the vital role disposable vaping products play in helping smokers transition away from cigarettes.”
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) expressed similar reservations. “We understand and support the government’s intent to curb youth vaping,” said CAPHRA Executive Coordinator Nancy Loucas.
“However, the proposed ban on disposable vaping products, including prefilled tanks, pods and cartridges, will create substantial barriers for adults who smoke and older vapers. Many of these individuals rely on simpler, disposable products due to difficulties with dexterity and the complexities of refillable devices. This ban could force them back to smoking cigarettes, which is counterproductive to the Smokefree 2025 goal.”
August 9, 2024
New Zealand Reserves Funds for HTP Tax Cut

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The government of New Zealand will set aside NZD216 million ($127.39 million) to pay for tax cuts on heated tobacco products (HTPs), reports Radio New Zealand.
Earlier this month, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello announced a 50 percent cut to HTP excise taxes, arguing that doing so would encourage cigarette smokers to migrate to less unhealthy nicotine products.
A paper released on the health ministry’s website shows the Cabinet agreed in May to set aside NZD216 million to cover the estimated lost revenue.
Philip Morris International, which owns the bestselling HTP product in New Zealand, has long argued that tax levels should reflect the relative risk levels of tobacco products.
However, the Cabinet paper noted it was unclear whether the tax break would be passed on to consumers due to the monopolistic nature of the market.
Costello said that she expected the industry to reduce the cost of its heating products. “I’m expecting the excise reduction to pass to consumers; this is what we were advised would happen by officials and it is something we will also be monitoring,” she was quoted as saying.
New Zealand tax authorities collected NZD3.62 million in 2022 and NZD5.97 million in 2023 from HTPs.
Earlier this year Costello scrapped laws that would have slashed the number of tobacco retailers, removed 95 percent of the nicotine from cigarettes and aimed to create a smoke-free generation by banning sales to those born after 2009.
Critics have expressed concern about links between the tobacco industry and Costello’s New Zealand First party. Two senior corporate communication positions at PMI are held by people who previously held senior roles in the New Zealand First.
July 30, 2024
New Zealand Halves HTP Taxes

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New Zealand has halved taxes on heated-tobacco products (HTPs) to make the products more attractive as cigarette alternatives, reports RNZ.
A spokesman said Customs Minister Casey Costello, who ordered the tax cut, hopes the move will encourage smokers to switch to less risky nicotine products.
In a statement to RNZ, Costello said that vaping had been a successful quit-smoking tool and she wanted to see whether HTPs would also be a useful cessation device.
“Vaping does not work for everyone, and some attempting to quit have tried several times. HTPs have a similar risk profile to vapes, and they are currently legally available, so we are testing what impact halving excise on those products makes.”
Critics said the government had caved to tobacco lobbying.
In 2018, Philip Morris International, which sells the market-leading IQOS HTP brand, told the Tax Working Group that the government should “establish a tax rate for heated-tobacco products significantly below the tax rate” for tobacco.
Earlier this year, New Zealand’s government scrapped the previous administration’s generational tobacco ban, which would have banned sales of tobacco products to anyone born after Jan. 1, 2009, required tobacco companies to lower the nicotine content of their products and reduced the number of tobacco retailers by 90 percent, among other measures.
The current government appears to be more receptive to tobacco harm reduction measures advocated by the industry and others.
Costello is reportedly also considering whether allowing the sale of oral nicotine products, such as snus and nicotine pouches, would help New Zealand achieve is smoking reduction objectives.
Her colleagues at the Ministry of Health have expressed reservations, however, saying there was “weak evidence” that snus helped people quit smoking. “The risk of feeling addicted may be higher for snus than for smoked tobacco. Use of snus may increase the risk of certain cancers.”
“On balance, we do not recommend extending the range of nicotine products available for sale in New Zealand,” the health ministry was quoted as saying. “Additional products will likely compound existing concerns about young peoples’ addiction to nicotine for little benefit.”
BAT, which owns the Velo and Lyft brands of nicotine pouches, has lobbied the government for the products to be legalized here.
“The government’s failure to also include smoke-free oral nicotine products in the same regulatory framework as vaping products presents a significant missed opportunity for advancing Smoke-Free 2025,” it said in a 2021 submission on the government’s smoke-free plans.
July 18, 2024
New Zealand Warnings Losing Bite: Study

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Research out of New Zealand has found that graphic health warnings on tobacco packages are no longer motivating smokers to quit, reports RNZ.
According to Lani Teddy, University of Otago research fellow, the warnings have not been refreshed since 2018 and have lost their impact.
“For example, many on-pack warnings feature diseased organs that participants found difficult to recognize. They felt messages that recognized them as whole people would create greater empathy and do more to encourage them to quit,” Teddy said in a statement.
The study found that consumers were avoiding looking at the health warnings and did not feel that they would be personally harmed by using the products. According to Teddy, smokers were more likely to care about cost, stress of addiction and how their smoking affected their loved ones.
“Other countries are moving ahead with additional product design policies,” said Janet Hoek, research co-leader. “Canada has introduced warnings on individual cigarettes, a move that Australia is also considering. Australia has brought in new regulations that allow for filter regulations and is banning the use of flavor capsules, which make smoking more appealing to young people.”
Hoek said the packaging should include details on how to quit smoking.
“The repeal of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act 2023 has left a policy vacuum,” Hoek said. “The government should demonstrate its commitment to the Smoke-Free 2025 goal by adopting international best practice in both tobacco product and packaging measures.
“At the very least, the government should maximize the impact that existing measures, such as on-pack warnings, could have and complement these with advice that will help people quit.”
June 12, 2024