The Vaping Regulatory Authority has confirmed it received a total of 2,518 submissions on the Ministry of Health’s draft
vaping regulations which closed on 15 March.
Over half of the submissions - 1,375 - came from ‘general retailers’, leading a key tobacco harm reduction advocate to
conclude the Government’s plan to remove all but three vape flavours from general retail has clearly prompted Kiwi
businesses into action.
“Last year 17,357 Kiwis signed my Parliamentary petition supporting ongoing access to vape flavours. Now we have over
2,500 submissions on the industry regulations alone,” says Nancy Loucas, co-director of Aotearoa Vapers Community
Advocacy (AVCA).
“Petitions and submissions are great democratic tools, but the problem is this Ministry of Health made up its mind
months ago, despite insisting in this process that ‘every voice counts’.
“In fact, before even reading these submissions the Ministry recommended that the flavour restrictions ‘should come into
force as intended on 11 August 2021’. We now need pro-public health politicians to intervene,” she says.
Ms Loucas is calling on Associate Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall overseeing the regulations to urgently review the
restriction of vape flavours or sadly watch smoking rates rise and the nation’s smoke-free ambition disappear.
“Adults love flavours. That’s how so many have successfully quit smoking deadly cigarettes - switching to considerably
much safer and cost-effective vaping,” she says.
With the Government’s vaping legislation passed last year, it was proposed that for general retail such as supermarkets,
service stations and convenience stores, vape flavours would be limited to just three - mint, menthol, and tobacco –
from August this year.
“The good news is it’s not over yet. In assessing the public submissions, the Ministry could recommend changes and
importantly Cabinet gets to approve the final proposals.
“We need the fresh eyes and expertise of Dr Verrall. We also want the likes of Minister of Small Business, Stuart Nash,
and Maori Health Minister, Peeni Henare, to take another look at these regulations before rubbing stamping them by late
June,” she says.
The Vaping Regulatory Authority also revealed that focus groups with Māori and Pacific peoples, run by Hāpai Te Hauora
and Tala Pasifika throughout the consultation period, resulted in 919 submissions.
“Public health entities, including Hāpai Te Hauora and ASH, strongly support flavours, choices, and options for smokers
desperate to quit cigarettes. These organisations and the 20,000 Kiwis who have signed or submitted in support of
vaping, can’t all be wrong!
“Democracy has spoken. It’s time for a re-think from our politicians. Thankfully that opportunity is coming to Cabinet
within the next three months,” says Nancy Loucas.About AVCA
AVCA was formed in 2016 by vapers across New Zealand wanting their voices heard in local and central government. All
members are former smokers who promote vaping to help smokers quit - a much less harmful alternative to combustible
tobacco products. AVCA does not have any affiliation or vested interest in industry - tobacco, pharmaceutical and/or the
local vaping manufacturing or retail sectors.