The Goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa

New Zealand is committed to achieving a Smokefree nation by 2025, aiming to significantly reduce smoking rates. This is being pursued through various strategies, including public health campaigns, support services, and regulations around nicotine products.

When discussing the Smokefree Aotearoa goal, alternative nicotine delivery systems are often mentioned. These include products like e-cigarettes, which are regulated by our Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990. Instead of burning tobacco, these products heat a liquid to create an aerosol for inhalation. We have specific rules in place regarding how these can be sold, advertised, and what standards they must meet here in New Zealand.

To reduce smoking, several approaches are utilised:

• Behavioural Support: This involves counselling and programs to help individuals quit smoking.

• Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs): These include products like patches, gum, and inhalers that provide nicotine without the dangers of burning tobacco.

• Alternative Nicotine Delivery Systems: These devices offer nicotine through aerosol, fitting into our wider tobacco control regulations.

Overall, New Zealand's goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025 is a significant part of our public health efforts, with the aim of lessening the harm caused by tobacco.