Vaping Slows Decline of Teen Smoking Rates in New Zealand

A recent study has revealed that vaping is impeding progress in reducing smoking rates among teenagers in Aotearoa New Zealand. While the overall smoking rate among adults has decreased significantly from 18% in 2011/12 to 8% in 2023/24, disparities persist, particularly for Māori and Pacific peoples, who face higher rates of tobacco-related illnesses.

The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific, examined the impact of vaping on smoking trends among adolescents aged 14 to 15 across different ethnic groups, including Māori, Pacific, European, and Asian. It sought to clarify whether vaping is displacing smoking or serving as a “gateway” to nicotine addiction.

Prior research suggested vaping could reduce smoking rates among young people by providing a less harmful alternative. However, this new analysis challenges that notion, indicating that the decline in smoking rates among adolescents has actually slowed since vaping became popular in 2010.

The researchers analyzed data from nearly 600,000 school students, with notable differences among ethnic groups. By 2024, approximately 29% of Māori adolescents reported regular vaping, compared to 19% of Pacific, 11% of European, and 4% of Asian students.

Key Findings on Smoking Trends

The study observed substantial declines in smoking rates from 2003 to 2024 among all four ethnic groups. However, the decline slowed noticeably from 2010 onwards for Māori, Pacific, and European adolescents, while the rate for Asian adolescents remained unchanged. In 2024, regular smoking rates were recorded at approximately 6.2% for Māori, 3.3% for Pacific, and 2% for European adolescents.

Had the pre-2010 trends continued, the projections for 2024 would have been 4.2% for Māori, 1.8% for Pacific, and 0.7% for European adolescents. This indicates an additional 20 Māori, 15 Pacific, and 13 European students smoking regularly per 1,000 in 2024 compared to expected figures.

The researchers also explored other potential factors contributing to the slowdown, such as the timing of vaping’s emergence and changes in the affordability of cigarettes. They found that these factors did not significantly alter the outcomes of their analysis.

Impact on Youth and Communities

The findings suggest that vaping has not displaced smoking among Māori, Pacific, European, or Asian adolescents. Instead, the study highlights a concerning trend where Māori and Pacific youth, who already experience higher rates of smoking and vaping, are facing increased health risks associated with nicotine dependence.

The implications are particularly severe for Māori communities, where nicotine addiction, regardless of its source, undermines individual agency and collective self-determination. This situation serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of colonialism, which has historically introduced and entrenched nicotine addiction in these communities.

Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the government to adhere to its constitutional and World Health Organization obligations. There is an urgent need to prioritize Māori and Pacific perspectives in tobacco control efforts, ensuring that strategies are grounded in equity, social justice, and Indigenous rights.

This study sheds light on the complexities of tobacco use among youth in New Zealand and underscores the importance of targeted interventions to reduce smoking rates, particularly among vulnerable populations.