With vaping rates among Hawke’s Bay youth soaring, local ‘vape-free kids’ Hawke’s Bay representative Sukhdeep Singh is calling on the government to take urgent, decisive action to curb youth access to these addictive products.
“Together, Hawke’s Bay can lead the way in creating a safer, healthier future for our young residents,” says Sukhdeep.
In his submission to the Government’s Smoke-Free Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill No. 2, Sukhdeep presented 11 critical recommendations to stem this rising crisis, including reducing vape retailer numbers and establishing greater distance requirements between vape stores and schools.
Sukhdeep is a strong advocate for vape restrictions due to the alarming rise in Youth Vaping Statistics in Hawke’s Bay. He recently presented to local MP’s Catherine Wedd and Katie Nimon, supported by other ‘vape free kids’ advocates.
Sukhdeep’s recommendations for a safer, vape-free environment in Hawke’s Bay include:
- Retailer Reduction: Decrease the number of vape retailers to below 600 nationwide, or limit vape sales to pharmacies on a prescription-only basis.
- School Proximity Limits: Prohibit vape stores within an 800-metre radius of schools.
- Enhanced Enforcement: Increase funding for enforcement to ensure compliance and prosecute retailers who sell to minors.
- Mandatory Age Verification: Enforce age verification requirements for all online sales.
- Pricing and Flavor Control: Introduce minimum pricing and restrict flavors to tobacco and menthol.
- Plain Packaging: Require plain packaging with health warnings to reduce product appeal.
- Support and Education Programs: Fund nationwide stop-vaping support services and implement educational programs in schools and communities.
Statistics show that one in seven primary and intermediate school students report regular vaping, along with 15.4% of teenagers aged 15-17 that vape daily — a rate nearly double that of the previous year.
Data just released this week in the New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS) for 2023/2024 indicates that daily vaping prevalence among adults aged ≥15 years has increased from 3.5% in 2019/20 to 11.1% in 2023/24. Vaping prevalence is particularly high among younger age groups, Māori and Pacific peoples, and people living in neighbourhoods with higher levels of deprivation.
Most vape retailers (71%) operate within 800 metres of schools, making these products easily accessible to young people. A Ministry of Health operation that inspected 600 retailers revealed 64 cases of illegal sales to minors, underscoring the urgent need for stronger enforcement.
Sukhdeep’s campaign is supported by Hastings District Councillor Ana Apatu and Napier Deputy Mayor Annette Brosnan, along with their respective councils.
As I understand it there is nicotine in the vapes. If this is correct how can vaping be considered a safe form of recreational use for anybody let alone children. I’m a reformed heavy smoker (60 a day) who ceased cold turkey some 45 years ago after getting an adverse medical opinion from my doctor. I can’t understand how vaping can be classified as preferable to cigarettes when the chemicals etc seem to be just as harmful (although maybe in less quantity). And walking along the street and getting a face full of the smoke or whatever it is from the vaper in front is not a particularly healthy option I would think.
If there is one thing that shows these things cause addiction it is the number of vape shops currently in Heretaunga Street.