NZ Smoking Rate Hits Low of 6.8%, Vaping Rises to 11.7%

New Zealand’s daily smoking rate has fallen to a historic low of 6.8%, according to the 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey released on Wednesday. This figure represents a slight decrease from 6.9% the previous year but a significant drop from 16.4% in 2011/12, meaning there are now approximately 278,000 fewer daily smokers in the country.

The survey highlights remarkable progress in youth smoking, with the rate for 15-24 year-olds plummeting to just 3.2%, down from 19.2% thirteen years ago. Exposure to second-hand smoke inside homes has also declined, affecting only 1.3% of children.

However, this decline in smoking coincides with a marked increase in daily vaping, which has risen to 11.7% in 2024/25, compared to a mere 0.9% in 2015/16. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello noted that while work continues towards the Smokefree 2025 goal by providing access to less harmful alternatives like vapes, the current challenge lies in helping older, long-term smokers to quit.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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