New Zealand’s vaping crisis has reached alarming levels, with the number of vapers increasing by over 200% since 2020. The industry is dominated by two major players: Vuse and British American Tobacco, which together hold a significant share in e-cigarettes.

The Problem of Easy Access to Vapes

Vaping products are becoming increasingly accessible to young people. Retailers who are well-known within the community are providing these products to minors. This is a real issue that needs to be addressed. Rangatahi (young people) are open about how they access vapes, and they have revealed the many gaps in current policies.

A Lack of Regulation

In October 2022, Vuse had a promotion offering free vape devices with purchases over $70. This promotion was available for two months. In December 2022, the company offered its newer “ready-to-go” vape for free. Such promotions highlight a lack of regulation in the industry.

The Role of Retailers

Retailers play a significant role in providing vapes to young people. The older sibling or an older person they know often sneak puffs from them. Rangatahi are also aware of retailers who provide these products.

Gaps in Policies

The community needs to listen to the voices of young people and consider their experiences when making policies. Young people need to be invited into spaces where conversations about vaping can happen. This is a crucial step in addressing the issue.

The Vaping Crisis and Its Consequences

According to Graham, “When we’re talking about policies that are going to impact our rangatahi, they need to be in the conversations. That’s a big push for us to be able to invite them into these spaces and allow those conversations to happen.” The consequences of not addressing the issue include the spread of vaping among young people.

The Industry’s Response

Vuse, which is owned by British American Tobacco, has refused to respond to any questions about its sales. However, it is clear that the company needs to be held accountable for its role in the crisis.

Conclusion

The vaping crisis in New Zealand requires immediate attention. The industry’s lack of regulation and retailers’ willingness to provide vapes to minors are major concerns. Young people need to be listened to and included in conversations about policies affecting them. It is essential that the government takes action to address this issue and protect the health and well-being of young people.

The statistics on vaping have shown an increase by more than 200% since 2020, with over two hundred thousand users accessing online retailers in New Zealand.