Media release

Alt New Zealand

Thursday 17 January 2019

“Like many others we urge the Government to amend the Smokefree Environments Act when Parliament reconvenes giving vaping much-needed regulation and smokers a better chance of quitting,” says Ben Pryor, Director of Alt New Zealand – the leading Kiwi-owned and operated vaping and e-cigarette company.

Mr Pryor’s comments follow MP Nicky Wagner’s media statement calling for the Government to act with urgency to support smoking cessation tools such as vaping.

“It’s great that the Government announced it will amend the legislation this year, but it really needs to happen sooner rather than later particularly if New Zealand is going to achieve its Smoke Free 2025 goal.”

He notes that over the New Year period different public health entities have been encouraging smokers to transition to vaping as an effective way of giving up. However the Government now needs to take a firmer stance on vaping to help clearly distinguish it from the dangers of smoking.

“Poorer households are now getting hammered by the latest tobacco tax, and so it’s time vaping came out of the shadows. Greater clarity on its production, regulation and availability will help give more Kiwis the confidence to transition off cigarettes. Until that happens too many New Zealanders’ health and household budgets will continue to suffer.”

Mr Pryor says overseas medical studies have shown that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than tobacco, not to mention the considerable health benefits for those currently breathing in second-hand smoke.

“Health pressure group ASH, Quitline, the Ministry of Health and its Associate Minister all openly acknowledge the benefits of existing smokers transitioning to vaping. All we need now is some action from Parliament to deliver exemplary manufacturing standards, better accessibility, and responsible advertising,” says Ben Pryor.

www.getalt.co.nz

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