New Zealand Vaping Regulation and Smokefree History
The New Zealand Ministry of Health (Manatū Hauora) has recently published “Vaping and Smokefree History and Timelines,” a comprehensive overview of the country’s journey towards regulating vaping products and creating a smokefree environment. This article delves into the key milestones and legislation highlighted in the Ministry’s release, showcasing New Zealand’s commitment to protecting public health.
New Zealand’s Smokefree Journey
New Zealand’s smokefree journey began with the introduction of strong health warnings on cigarette packets in 1984 and the ban on cigarette advertising on TV and radio in 1963. These early measures laid the foundation for the country’s ongoing efforts to reduce smoking prevalence and promote public health.
In 1990, the Smoke-free Environments Act came into force, and the Auahi Kore Smokefree brand was launched, further strengthening New Zealand’s commitment to creating a smokefree environment. The launch of Quitline, a national smoking cessation support service, in 1999 provided additional support for those looking to quit smoking.
The introduction of smokefree indoor environments in licensed premises and workplaces in 2004 marked another significant milestone in New Zealand’s smokefree journey. This measure helped protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and encouraged smokers to quit.
In 2010, the Government implemented annual tobacco excise tax increases of 10%, making smoking less affordable and further encouraging smokers to quit. The Government’s response to the Māori Affairs Select Committee process in 2011 set the goal of a Smokefree New Zealand by 2025, demonstrating the country’s commitment to eliminating smoking.
Other notable milestones in New Zealand’s smokefree journey include the launch of the Stop Before You Start campaign in 2016, the introduction of tobacco standardized packaging in 2018, and the implementation of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act 2020, which introduced several measures to regulate vaping products.
In 2021, the Smoke-free Environments (Prohibiting Smoking in Motor Vehicles Carrying Children) Amendment Act came into force, protecting children from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke in vehicles. The Smokefree 2025 Action Plan, launched in the same year, outlines a comprehensive strategy to achieve a smokefree New Zealand by 2025.
The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act, which came into force on January 1, 2023, represents a significant step towards achieving a smokefree New Zealand. In the same year, a Public Health Message was issued under Section 24(f) of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990, reinforcing the importance of creating a smokefree environment.
Read the history of smoking regulation below or download the information:
The Evolution of Vaping Regulation in New Zealand
New Zealand’s vaping regulations have evolved alongside its smokefree journey. The Vaping Facts website, launched in 2019, serves as a reliable source of information for the public, offering evidence-based facts about vaping and its impact on health.
In July 2021, a public health message was issued for Vaping Facts, providing important information to the public about vaping and its potential risks. The following month, the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Regulations 2021 were made, setting out detailed requirements for the implementation of various provisions related to vaping products.
The Vaping Regulatory Authority was also established in August 2021 to regulate vaping products and manage applications for Specialist Vape Retailers.
In November 2022, Manatū Hauora and Te Whatu Ora launched the Protect Your Breath campaign, a health promotion program designed to encourage young people to live vape-free lives. The campaign, co-designed with the Hā Collective, a core group of young people, aims to reframe youth thinking on vaping use and provide alternative options to picking up a vape.
Public consultation played a crucial role in shaping New Zealand’s vaping regulations. From January to March 2023, Manatū Hauora sought public input on proposals such as restricting flavour names of vaping products, extending safety requirements for disposable vaping products, and limiting the locations of Specialist Vape Retailers. Over 2,700 individuals shared their views on these regulatory proposals.
In June 2023, the Government announced new policies aimed at making vaping less appealing to youth, reducing the availability of smoked tobacco, and decreasing its addictiveness. These policies will be implemented through new regulations expected to come into effect from August 2023.
Looking ahead, in late 2023, Manatū Hauora plans to review the policy settings for vaping products to ensure they align with the objectives of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act. This review will consider factors such as the availability, appeal, and addictiveness of vaping, smokeless tobacco, and emerging products.
Read the history of vaping regulation below or download the information:
New Zealand’s history of vaping regulation (PDF, 235 KB)
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Conclusion
The New Zealand Ministry of Health’s release of “Vaping and Smokefree History and Timelines” provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s efforts to regulate vaping products and create a smokefree environment. By tracing the key milestones and legislation in chronological order, we can see how New Zealand’s approach to smoking and vaping has evolved over time, reflecting the country’s ongoing commitment to protecting public health.
As New Zealand continues to work towards its goal of becoming a smokefree nation by 2025, the lessons learned from its past efforts will undoubtedly inform future policies and initiatives. By engaging with the public, adapting to new challenges, and maintaining a strong focus on health promotion and education, New Zealand is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious smokefree goals and serve as a model for other countries seeking to reduce smoking prevalence and improve public health outcomes.
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