Bold move includes vaping in Smokefree Policy

Published on 21 July 2017

21 July 2017

Whanganui District Council is the first in New Zealand to take a decisive stand on vaping in its Smokefree and Vapefree Outdoor Areas Policy.

Mayor Hamish McDouall says, “We want this bold and upfront and we believe we may be the first in New Zealand to include vaping so prominently in our Smokefree Policy.

“During submissions on the policy, we heard from medical professionals and community groups that vaping was of concern for a number of reasons and it was appropriate for us to consider including it along with cigarette smoking.

“I applaud Lauren Tamehana of Safer Whanganui for demonstrating vaping in the Council Chamber to draw attention to the concerns and for explaining how vaping works and how the liquid refills are marketed to young people. I personally find the range of sweet, candy-related flavours so cynical, especially when you hear that buyers are literally then asked whether they’d like free nicotine with that. Vaping products can’t be sold to people under 18 thankfully, but it’s actually the twenty-somethings we are concerned about.

“Although the evidence isn’t conclusive that vaping is a gateway to cigarette smoking, I have heard of young people who have become nicotine-addicted through vaping and then transitioned to cigarette smoking.”

Lauren Tamehana says seeing people vaping in public spaces contributes to the normalisation of smoking behaviour. “There are a whole range of views on vaping, including that it can assist people to stop smoking cigarettes. While that may work for some people, the view of Safer Whanganui is that on balance a vaping habit is likely to have negative health impacts long-term and actually contribute to the smoking culture we are working very hard to address.”

Councillor Charlie Anderson is an advocate for the Smokefree and Vapefree Outdoor Areas Policy, which encourages people not to smoke or vape within four metres of entrances and exits of all public buildings in public areas.

Councillor Anderson says, “I am very happy to put my hand up to be a champion for this policy. I started smoking young and was addicted within a very short time. I know exactly how powerful this is and how hard it is to give up. Thankfully I have kicked the habit, but I’m only ever one cigarette away from starting up again – the pull of nicotine and the habit is so strong. If I can give up, anyone can give up, but the secret is not to start."

He says, “Anything this Council can do to reduce the number of smokers in our community and the impact of smoking on our environment is something I want to support. This is an absolutely beautiful district, with wonderful recreational facilities and spaces. We want to see our people fit and healthy enough to enjoy all that it has to offer – smokefree and vapefree.”