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Wellington, New Zealand – January 1, 2025 – In a significant move to reduce smoking rates, the New Zealand government has announced that it will provide free vaping starter kits to adults looking to quit smoking. The initiative, set to roll out next week, will see vaping kits distributed through Stop Smoking Services across the country.
The government aims to help smokers who have already attempted other methods to quit, with a particular focus on offering support to those struggling to break the habit. Associate Health Minister Casey Costello explained the reasoning behind the program on Tuesday, stating that vaping has been instrumental in reducing smoking rates and is a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes.
“Vaping has played a key role in reducing smoking rates, and the government supports adults switching to vaping because it is far less harmful than smoking cigarettes,” Costello said. “Those using quit smoking services are four times more likely to successfully stop smoking compared to those who receive no support.”
New Zealand has set a bold target of reducing its national smoking rate to below 5 percent by the end of next year. The initiative comes as part of the country’s ongoing efforts to improve public health and achieve its Smokefree 2025 goal, which includes reducing smoking rates for all ethnic groups.
However, the government’s approach has faced criticism. Earlier this year, Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA), a prominent advocacy group, expressed concern about the repeal of new smoke-free measures that could have saved thousands of lives. The HCA argued that reducing the harm caused by smoking should remain a priority, especially for Maori and Pacific communities, where smoking rates remain disproportionately high.
The HCA’s statement pointed to the significant harm caused by smoking, with an estimated 284,000 New Zealanders at risk of early death due to tobacco use. Daily smoking rates among Maori and Pacific people are particularly alarming, with Maori daily smoking rates sitting at 17 percent—2.5 times higher than the national average—and Pacific people’s rates at 18.1 percent.
While New Zealand’s Health Survey has shown a notable decline in daily smoking rates, the HCA warned that relying on vaping as the primary tobacco control strategy may not be sufficient. The group stressed the importance of comprehensive measures, including stronger tobacco control laws, to achieve the Smokefree 2025 goal.
Public opinion also remains divided, with a recent survey showing that the majority of New Zealanders support maintaining stringent tobacco control measures. Many New Zealanders have called for the reduction of nicotine in cigarettes, fewer retailers selling tobacco, and the end of cigarette sales to future generations.
Despite these concerns, the government is hopeful that the free vaping kits will provide an effective tool for those who have struggled to quit smoking through other means, contributing to the country’s goal of becoming Smokefree by 2025.
