An analysis of e-cigarette policy action, inaction and industry influence: implications for youth uptake in New Zealand.

Abstract

Aims: In 2024, New Zealand had one of the highest rates of e-cigarette use among youth globally. In this article, we aim to examine key developments in e-cigarette policy that may have contributed to high uptake among young people in New Zealand between 2015 and 2024. By identifying key policy-relevant documents by government agencies and interactions with the industry, we aim to offer insights for jurisdictions looking to implement or strengthen e-cigarette policies.

Methods: We searched publicly available New Zealand government websites to identify documents related to e-cigarette policy between 2015 and 2024 (Ministry of Health, New Zealand Parliament, Beehive, Courts of New Zealand and New Zealand Customs). We included key policy-related documents for analysis. Documents were organised and summarised sequentially into a timeline graphic and chronological narrative results.

Results: New Zealand introduced policies aimed at reducing youth e-cigarette uptake slowly compared to other high-income countries such as the UK and Australia. When policies were introduced, they lacked strength, which enabled the e-cigarette and tobacco industry to oppose, bypass and, ultimately, weaken the impact of such policies. The e-cigarette industry had multiple interactions with public health actors that may have positioned the industry as a legitimate partner in tobacco harm reduction.

Conclusion: This study highlights that jurisdictions must move quickly to introduce effective measures on e-cigarettes to protect health. Policies must be sufficiently comprehensive to prevent the industry from opposing and bypassing laws. Governments must protect policy processes from companies that profit from nicotine addiction in line with the WHO Framework on Tobacco Control.