Auckland’s many smokefree supporters and vapers should use this latest lockdown, and wet weather, to submit on the
Ministry of Health’s draft vaping regulations and support Kiwi businesses, says a leading tobacco harm reduction
advocate.
“Never waste a lockdown, and that includes Auckland’s snap lockdown. Sadly, as a country we’re miles off achieving
Smokefree 2025 but if we don’t get these vaping regulations right, we never will,” says Nancy Loucas, co-director of
Aotearoa Vapers Community Advocacy (AVCA).
She says as the draft regulations stand, international companies will benefit over independent New Zealand e-liquid
manufacturers and brands. They have deep pockets and the sheer scale to pay the many suggested industry fees as well as
meet tight compliance timeframes for the likes of the new packaging requirements.
On the Ministry’s proposed industry fee structure, AVCA wrote in its submission they “believe that ‘Made in New Zealand’
products, such as juice, should have a reduced fee schedule in order to benefit our local people.”
On packaging, AVCA said the independent vape industry may not, or will not, have the means to comply with the suggested
nine-month timeframe for compliance. Instead, local businesses should be granted at least 15 months, preferably 18
months.
“This latest lockdown is a timely reminder that local vape businesses, and the thousands of Kiwi vapers who rely on
their service, remain vulnerable.”
“Let’s not strangle our Kiwi vape businesses with unrealistic costs and deadlines and in turn limit access to the safer
alternative for our people, whilst leaving the deadly alternative readily available in every dairy, supermarket and
petrol station. That would be a terrible outcome,” says Nancy Loucas.
AVCA is offering free Facebook Live sessions to help consumers and those interested to make a submission on the
proposals. The first one takes place at 7.00pm on Thursday, 18 February NZDT. Keyword: NZAVCA
To make a submission by 5.00pm on 15 March, visit https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/smokefree-environments-and-regulated-products-act-1990-proposals-regulationsAbout 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.