Vaping products are accessed through three key channels in New Zealand
Specialist Vape Retailers
(SVRs)
General Vape Retailers
(GR)
Stop Smoking Services
Vaping products (all notified flavours) and devices are sold in 18+ SVR stores and/or online if approved by the Vaping Regulatory Authority (VRA). This includes age verification. Physical stores can freely talk about and sell different types of vapes with customers and if an Approved Vaping Premise, 18+ smokers or vapers can try vaping substances and devices before buying.
All retailers who are not SVRs may sell devices but are limited to selling three ‘traditional’ flavours – tobacco, mint and menthol to 18+ persons only. VIANZ does not agree with this because general retailers are the largest sellers of tobacco products while this sector is limited in what they can say to smokers restricting their ability to convert smokers to a safer, cheaper and better option.
There is a range of stop smoking services available across New Zealand who can provide vaping education and products, these include:
Quitline - a free national telephone-based smoking cessation service available to all New Zealanders.
Local health services - Te Whatu Ora offers smoking cessation programmes, support groups, counselling services and access cessation aids nationwide.
General Practioners (GPs) and Primary Care Providers - offer guidance and support to individuals who want to quit smoking.
Pharmacies - can provide advice on quitting smoking, recommend appropriate cessation aids, and support individuals throughout their quit journey.
Online - there are various online resources available to support individuals smoking cessation journey. Many vape retailers have an online store.
Community-based programmes - many community organisations and not-for-profit groups offer smoking cessation support including The Fono, Ready Steady Quit, K’aute Pasifika Trust, Toki Rau Stop Smoking Services. Check out Smokefree.org.nz for a comprehensive list of community-based programmes.