New Zealand: Tobacco down, but concerns about youth vaping

In New Zealand, daily smoking rates have hit a historic low, but authorities are now facing a growing challenge: the rapid rise in vaping, particularly among young people. According to the annual health survey, the daily smoking rate has stabilised at 6.9 % in 2023/24, down from 16.4 % in 2011/12. However, the daily prevalence of vaping has climbed 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 is fuelling concerns among authorities. For Casey Costello, Minister responsible for Health, it is urgent to refocus efforts to achieve the Smokefree 2025 objective[2].

Uneven progress across populations

Despite the challenges, significant progress has been made, particularly among certain groups of the population. For example, smoking rates among Māori have been halved in five years, a remarkable achievement, although targeted efforts are still needed to continue the decline in this community and among Pacific populations. Daily smoking among young people is extremely low, with less than 1.1% of 15-17 year olds and 4.2% of 18-24 year olds smoking daily. This decline reflects a generational shift.[3].

However, disparities persist. Communities living in disadvantaged neighborhoods still have higher smoking rates (13.9% versus 2.5% in wealthier neighborhoods), and vaping is also gaining ground there.

Evolving regulations and the pursuit of effective measures

To address these developments, the New Zealand government plans to strengthen the regulatory framework for nicotine products, including better monitoring of these products and measures against the black market.

In addition to this evolution of the regulations concerning vaping products, measures are being continued concerning tobacco in the strict sense. Thus, an increase in tobacco taxes, approved by the cabinet, will come into force on 1^er January 2025, with an increase of 2.23 %.

Ms Costello also announced the arrival of a new Smokefree action plan, focused on the extension of smoking cessation services and increased mobilisation of health professionals to direct smokers towards these services.

The rise of vaping: a global challenge

The rise of vaping is a reality highlighted 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 marked among young people, where vaping has surpassed daily smoking in all age categories up to 44 years.

A goal within reach, but efforts need to be intensified

To reach Smokefree 2025, New Zealand still needs to convince 80,000 smokers to quit. While the goal is ambitious, officials believe that previous years have shown that such a goal is achievable. By focusing more efforts on coherent policies and tailored support for the populations most affected, the country aims to become a global reference in the fight against tobacco.

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)