10/10/2024
The Paediatric Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) is pleased to announce that we have recently made a submission to Parliament regarding the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2). This important piece of legislation addresses the increasing concern around youth vaping in Aotearoa.
On behalf of PSNZ, Dr Colette Muir spoke before the Parliament’s Select Committee yesterday to emphasise the urgent need for stronger regulations on vaping products. During her presentation, she stressed the growing problem of nicotine addiction among young people, including alarming rates of vaping among Māori youth. Dr Muir reiterated the critical role this bill plays in protecting the future health and wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.
Key measures supported in PSNZ’s submission include:
- A ban on disposable vapes, which are cheap, easily accessible, and especially attractive to young people.
- Increased penalties for retailers who sell vaping products to minors, reinforcing the seriousness of this issue.
- Strengthened proximity restrictions for vape retailers, ensuring they are kept away from schools, early childhood centres, and marae, reducing young people's exposure to vaping.
PSNZ is committed to working towards a healthier, nicotine-free future for all young New Zealanders. These proposed changes are vital steps toward ensuring that our tamariki and rangatahi grow up in environments where harmful products are less accessible and visible.
Read the full statement below 👇