New Zealand Vaping Spend Trends: Youth Market Decline 2025-2026

Bank transaction data reveals a sharp decline in youth vaping expenditure following New Zealand’s aggressive flavor and disposable device bans.

A financial analysis by Dot Loves Data shows New Zealanders under 35 drastically reduced their vaping expenditure in 2025. This contraction, driven by recent government bans on disposable devices and flavors, signals a major shift in the youth nicotine market, even as older demographics maintain steady consumption.

The Financial Data: Youth Spending Contracts

The financial footprint of New Zealand’s youth vaping market is shrinking rapidly. According to Dot Loves Data, which utilizes ANZ bank transaction records representing 35% of the national market, the downward trend is undeniable. The 18 to 24-year-old demographic spent $90 million on vapes in 2025—a significant drop from $105 million in 2024.

The historically dominant 25 to 34-year-old cohort also saw their expenditure fall from $122 million to $113 million. Consequently, overall national spending decreased from $417 million to $401 million annually.

Demographic Group	2024 Spend (NZD)	2025 Spend (NZD)	Year-on-Year Change
Aged 18–24	$105 Million	$90 Million	-14.3%
Aged 25–34	$122 Million	$113 Million	-7.4%
Total NZ Annual Spend	$417 Million	$401 Million	-3.8%

Regulatory Impact vs. Older Demographics

Justin Lester, director of Dot Loves Data, attributes this downward trajectory directly to tightening government regulations. Recent legislative interventions, specifically the comprehensive ban on disposable vapes and strict limits on retail marketing and flavors, appear to have successfully cooled youth consumption.

Interestingly, the data reveals a demographic divide. Spending among users over 35 remains steady or has slightly increased. This suggests that older adults, who primarily use these products for smoking cessation, are less deterred by flavor bans than younger, casual users.

Expert Verdict: A Shifting Public Health Landscape

While the 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey notes that 11.7 percent of adults still vape daily—with high concentrations among Māori and Pacific populations—the financial data proves that targeted regulatory frameworks are working. By eliminating cheap disposables and youth-appealing flavors, New Zealand is effectively disrupting the youth market without entirely alienating older adults seeking harm reduction alternatives.

Read more: New Zealand Vaping Trends 2024-25: Prevalence Stabilizes

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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.