In New Zealand, daily smoking rates have reached a historic low, but authorities now face a growing challenge: the rapid increase in vaping, particularly among young people. According to the annual health survey, the daily smoking rate stabilized at 6.9% in 2023/24, compared to 16.4% in 2011/12. However, the daily prevalence of vaping has risen to 11.1%, up from just 0.9% when it was first measured in 2015/16[1]. Among young people aged 15 to 17 and 18 to 24, vaping is growing faster than the decline in smoking, which fuels the authorities’ concerns. For Casey Costello, Minister in charge of Health, it is urgent to refocus efforts to achieve the Smokefree 2025 objective[2].
Unequal progress depending on the population
Despite the difficulties, significant results have been particularly obtained among certain categories of the population. Smoking rates among Māori have been halved in five years, a remarkable achievement, although targeted efforts are still needed to continue the decline within this community and among peaceful populations. Daily smoking among young people is extremely low, with less than 1% of users in the 15-17 age group and 4.2% of 18-24 year olds smoking daily. This decline reflects a generational change[3].
However, disparities persist. Communities living in disadvantaged neighborhoods still have higher smoking rates (13.9% compared to 2.5% in wealthier neighborhoods), and vaping is also gaining ground there.
Evolving regulations and the pursuit of effective measures
To deal with these developments, the New Zealand government plans to strengthen the regulatory framework for nicotine products, including better monitoring of them and measures against the black market.
Added to this evolution of regulations concerning vaping products is the pursuit of measures concerning tobacco stricto sensu. Thus, an increase in tobacco taxes, approved by the cabinet, will come into force on 1is January 2025, with an increase of 2.23%.
Ms Costello also announces the arrival of a new Smokefree action plan, focused on the extension of smoking cessation services and increased mobilization of health professionals to direct smokers towards these services.
The rise of vaping: a global challenge
The rise of vaping is a reality pointed out by a growing number of countries. The World Health Organization warns of its harmful effects, emphasizing the presence of dangerous chemicals and the risk of nicotine addiction. In New Zealand, vaping is particularly strong among young people, where vaping has exceeded daily smoking in all age categories up to 44 years old.
A goal within reach, but efforts to be intensified
To reach Smokefree 2025, New Zealand still needs to convince 80,000 smokers to quit. Although the objective is ambitious, the authorities believe that previous years have shown that such a objective is achievable. By focusing more efforts on coherent policies and support adapted to the populations most affected, the country aspires to become a world reference in the fight against tobacco.
©Tobacco Free Generation
RK
[1] https://www.health.govt.nz/statistics-research/surveys/new-zealand-health-survey/publications/202324-survey-publications/trends-in-smoking-and-vaping (accessed 20/11/ 2024)
[2] https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/534219/daily-smoking-rates-flat-line-youth-vaping-keeps-rising-nz-health-survey (accessed 20/11/2024)
[3] https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/undoctored/final-push-needed-get-smokefree-2025 (accessed 20/11/2024)
National Committee Against Smoking |
Related News :