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NZ Teens Stub Out Vaping: Usage Halved!
17 Jan
Summary
- Teen vaping in New Zealand has dropped by half since its 2021 peak.
- A 2020 law prohibiting vape sales to minors is credited with the decline.
- Cigarette smoking among young New Zealanders has nearly disappeared.
Teen vaping rates in New Zealand have been cut in half since their 2021 zenith, marking a significant public health triumph. As of early 2026, monthly vaping among 10th-grade students has fallen by 50%, with daily use now at 7.1%. This decline is largely credited to a shift in attitudes and the impact of legislation enacted in 2020, which prohibited the sale of vaping products to minors.
The reduction in teen vaping is celebrated as a major global success, especially as daily cigarette smoking among young New Zealanders has dwindled to approximately 1%. Experts emphasize the importance of aiming for a nicotine-free future for all young people, noting that while progress has been made, vaping remains too accessible for certain youth demographics.
Despite the overall positive trend, challenges remain, particularly for Māori youth, where everyday vaping rates were still 16.5% in 2025. This persistent inequity underscores the need for continued efforts to ensure that vaping cessation benefits all young New Zealanders, addressing disparities in access and addiction.
