Associate Health Minister Casey Costello says the number of full-time equivalent officers focusing on enforcing vaping rules has increased.
A raft of changes to vaping laws took effect today — including the banning of distribution, manufacture, sale and supply of disposable vapes.
From today, penalties for breaching the ban were increased to up to $400,000 for a manufacturer, importer or large retailer, and $50,000 for any other person.
The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) was passed in December, imposing tougher penalties for selling vapes to minors, further restrictions on where specialist vape stores can open, and rules on how specialist vape stores can look.
There are new rules on how vaping products can be displayed.
Speaking to Breakfast, Costello said the team dedicated to helping enforce the new rules had grown from two to 18 officers “so that the new rules and tougher penalties are supported by greater enforcement capability”.
“We have regular dashboard reporting on what they’re doing, where they’re targeting, so I can see the productivity on a regular basis as to what we’re actually achieving in this space,” she said.
“There was only two dedicated [officers] when I came into this role, so we have invested significantly in increasing that and driving accountability of what’s been delivered.”
She said during school holidays the enforcement officers completed targeted secret shopper-style stings and improved reporting.
“I know when I met with Vape Free Kids, the frustration they had is that complaints weren’t being responded to. That has improved significantly and we are encouraging that reporting through.”
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds including disposable vape ban, Auckland Airport meth find, and why Europe hates tourists right now. (Source: 1News)
Costello said “receiving complaints is an important part of the process” for cracking down on online vape retailers too.
“For too long, New Zealand didn’t have vaping regulations in place.
“Vaping has played a key role in helping people quit smoking, and we want vapes available to adults as a cessation tool, but vaping isn’t for children and young people and that’s why the Government has taken action.”
Charyl Robinson of Vape Free Kids NZ was pleased with the new rules.
“We just really hope the retailers comply,” she told Breakfast.
“We’ve seen examples in the past where retailers take no notice of regulations, because they they know that they overwhelmingly outnumber the enforcement team, so the chances of them getting away with breaching rules are in their favour.”