VAPING TO BECOME GOVERNMENT-RECOMMENDED FOR SMOKERS TO QUIT CIGARETTES.
Despite being increasingly banned in public places, the use of e-cigarettes will soon be promoted as a safer alternative to smoking by the Ministry of Health.
A campaign encouraging smokers, and particularly young Māori women, to make the switch will be launched in August and a New Zealand-specific website offering vaping information and tips will go live this month.
While the campaign pushes vaping as a way to quit, it will also aim to stop non-smokers, particularly those under the age of 18, from picking up the electronic devices.
The campaign marks a change in position for the Ministry of Health who have been cautious in their stance on vaping as a tool for would-be quitters.