Vaping kits will be made free for smokers to help them quit

The Government will provide vaping starter kits to stop smoking services across the country next week to help adults quit smoking.

The increased use of vaping starter kits is part of the government’s plans to achieve its Smoke-Free 2025 target.

Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said customers would receive a vaping device and a monthly supply of nicotine pods each month for three months, with ongoing support from a smoking cessation service.

The kits would be free and available to adults who smoke, she said.

“We know that more people are trying to quit smoking over Christmas and New Years and that smoking cessation service providers have more tools to help smokers quit,” Costello said .

“Vaping has played a key role in reducing smoking rates and the Government supports adults turning to vaping, as vaping is far less harmful than smoking cigarettes.

“Those who use quit smoking services are four times more likely to successfully quit than those who receive no support, and this initiative provides services with another tool.”

Costello said New Zealand needed to reinvigorate its efforts to stop smoking and target the right people, if the country wanted to bring the smoking rate below 5 percent by the end of next year and reach the 2025 smoke-free goals.

“As part of this, a new marketing campaign ‘That’s Us, Smokefree 2025’ has also been developed and is launched today,” she said.

Hāpai te Hauora developed the campaign which would target key audiences via social media and localized networks, Costello said.

“We also want to ensure access to a range of effective products and tools – I hope we can provide a new device to providers soon – and that the whole healthcare sector works together to encourage referrals to providers to quit smoking,” she said. .

“Our message for 2025 is that it’s still worth trying to quit smoking – that tens of thousands of others have succeeded – and that there are wonderful people out there ready to help.”

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