“Kiwi-owned vape businesses are disappointed the Government is rushing through its vaping legislation in time for the election campaign, while the local industry remains completely in the dark over the regulations,” said Vaping Trade Association of New Zealand (VTANZ) spokesperson, Jonathan Devery last month.
The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill
Devery’s comments came just as the final stages of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill were being debated. Sadly, the bill has now been passed without the recommended amendments, and the vaping industry has three months to update itself in order to be compliant with the new regulations.
In response to this, the largest Kiwi-owned vape company co-owned by Devery and Ben Pryor, is investing significantly in what will be the last marketing campaign before the bill goes into effect next November. Pryor and Devery have previously pointed out that this advertising ban will only benefit Big Tobacco.
“Alcohol advertising is allowed, yet vaping which has helped achieve record-low smoking rates and hasn’t killed one Kiwi, is not. It makes little sense and will simply lead to less New Zealanders giving up cigarettes,” says Pryor.
Advertising should be regulated not banned
While the bill bans any adverts related to vaping products, public health messages approved by the Director-General of Health, such as those in smoking cessation campaigns, will be permitted.
“The industry would be very happy to use its profits to promote vaping as an incredibly effective way to quit smoking. We would adhere to any heavily regulated advertising and message restrictions. Limited advertising works well in the UK, but unfortunately New Zealand businesses will soon lose any opportunity to reach out to smokers,” said Pryor.
