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Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Tough new vape rules set to kick in
By Nik Dirga of RNZ Explainer - Disposable vape fans will see their habit go up in smoke from Tuesday as tough new vape rules kick in. Here's what you need to know about changes to vape sales and advertising. What's being banned? The distribution, manufacture, sale and supply of disposable vapes is being banned from Tuesday. "We are getting rid of vapes that are most popular among young people, and that can only be positive," Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said in announcing the changes last year. The 2023/24 NZ Health Survey found 10.5 percent of people aged 15 to 17 vaped daily. However, pod-style vaping devices will still be sold. They contain pre-filled pods which are swapped out to refill the vape. Also as of Tuesday, vaping devices, products and packaging can no longer be displayed at general retailers. Specialist vape stores must not display products in any way that makes them visible from outside their place of business - that includes advertising, display in online stores and in vending machines. There are also many new restrictions on advertising to promote or encourage the use of vaping products, including to existing customers. The new raft of advertising restrictions mean businesses could face a $2000 infringement fine. For instance, the government says it would violate the new regulations if a shop is advertising or posting about vaping products on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Google business listings. "From the 17th June we will no longer be able to show images of the products," one online vape retailer says on its website. There's quite a lot of detail in the new advertising rules and a full breakdown can be found on Health New Zealand's website. Also as of Tuesday, vaping specialist retailers can no longer use various promotional techniques such as giving away free vaping products, discounts, offering rewards, cash rebates or gifts for the purchase of vaping products, or offer lotteries or games to people who buy vaping products. Haven't there already been some restrictions on vapes? Yes, as part of the series of changes to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 last year. The new changes are the second line of alterations which began coming into effect in December. As of December, fines for selling to minors and publishing prohibited advertisements were increased, and new vape speciality stores were forbidden from opening within 100 metres of early childhood education centres. There were already location restrictions saying speciality vape stores had to be at least 300 metres from schools or marae. In introducing the amendments to smoking regulations last year, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said, "New Zealand was too slow to effectively regulate vaping, and youth vaping rates are too high". "We have collectively agreed that, we have recognised that, and we know that we can do better. We have to stop young people from taking it up as a habit." The ban on disposable vapes was put off for six months to allow retailers to prepare for the changes. Jonathan Devery, chair of the Vaping Industry Association of New Zealand, said the group does support the disposable vapes ban, with a few caveats. He said while VIANZ "supports the intent behind the policy - to reduce youth access and address the environmental impact of single-use products - the association is urging caution about the potential unintended consequences". University of Otago public health professor Janet Hoek, a leading researcher into vaping, said whether or not the ban will make a difference will depend on enforcement and product innovation by the industry. Will people just switch from disposable vapes to refillable pods? "I would expect [the ban] to reduce youth vaping given young people are very price sensitive," Hoek said. "However, if the industry responds, as I think it is likely to do, by introducing cheaper pod vapes, the impact will be much less limited than we might hope." "They're not a straightforward replacement," Devery said. "There's a real risk that removing the most convenient smoking cessation option could drive consumers back to cigarettes." Hoek said many manufacturers may look for loopholes they can exploit with bans. "Disposable vapes are typically inexpensive [i.e., may cost less than $10 a device], so the vaping industry may respond by introducing new lower priced reusable vapes," Hoek said, saying she had seen pod starter kits - without pods, which cost extra - being advertised for under $10. "We saw this behaviour among tobacco companies as they tried to undermine the impact of increased tobacco excise taxes [they 'shifted' the tax to higher priced brands, away from lower priced brands and introduced entirely new brands to create a new 'super value' partition within the market]." Devery of VIANZ said it's possible some vape sales may just go underground. "There are also serious concerns about enforcement," he said. "Early warnings from the UK, where a disposable vape ban came into effect on 1 June, suggest black market sales are likely to increase." Hoek said there is a lot of concern that manufacturers may find ways around disposable bans - she pointed to 'Big Puff' high-capacity throwaway vapes that have drawn concern in the UK with their own disposables ban. What does this mean for the vaping industry? "We have consistently called for a full ban on disposable vapes, rather than incremental technical fixes, and we welcome the environmental benefits it will bring," Devery said. "But the transition must be managed carefully to avoid driving consumers back to smoking or into unregulated markets." The industry group feels that some of the advertising restrictions may ultimately harm consumers and make it harder for retailers to interact with them. "Many retailers, especially online, have relied on clear product information and guidance to help adults make informed choices," Devery said. "New restrictions will limit what can be communicated, making it harder for consumers to understand available options or find support to switch." "Retailers are still recovering from last year's rushed regulations that left them with unsellable stock and high compliance costs - from updating websites to in-store signage," he said. Many retailers have discounted their products heavily before the bans take effect. But should more be done to control vaping? Hoek said she thought the new measures would help cut youth vaping, but more strategy was needed. "There are many omissions from the measures (e.g., the high concentration of vape stores in lower income communities; the location of vape stores right next to schools). I would favour a more proactive strategy that reduced the appeal, availability, addictiveness and affordability of vaping products." One of the key complaints about disposable vapes have been the waste they generate, Devery said. "Removing disposables will help cut vape-related e-waste by over 80 percent according to our industry estimates, but more must be done," he said. "VIANZ recommends expanded take-back schemes like VapeCycle, producer-responsibility regulations, and better consumer education on safe disposal." "I would favour a 'polluter pays' model, where vape companies are responsible for the costs their products create," Hoek said. "Vape companies have been given clear rules to follow, and yet some are already looking for loopholes," Asthma and Respiratory Foundation chief executive Letitia Harding said in a statement. Will this help New Zealand meet its Smokefree 2025 goals? Back in 2011, New Zealand's government set the goal of a Smokefree New Zealand by 2025. There have been concerns that goal is falling short, with particular worries about Māori and Pasifika smoking rates. Costello has maintained the government's changes will continue work toward the target. "We do not want our young people vaping," Costello said in Parliament. "We do not want them taking up this habit. We do not want them to be nicotine addicted. We also don't want anybody taking up tobacco and smoking." The current smokefree goal aims to have less than 5 percent of the population smoking by December, but the latest data reveals there are still about 300,000 daily smokers - 6.9 percent of adults - across the country. "VIANZ urges the government to closely monitor the ban's impact on smoking rates, particularly among priority groups, and ensure regulations don't inadvertently harm those most vulnerable," Deverey said. "Vaping regulation must be viewed in the context of the devastating harm caused by smoking, which kills two out of every three users." "Strong rules and environmental responsibility are essential, but the broader goal must remain to reduce smoking and improve public health outcomes." Hoek said it's important vaping retailers were brought along on that goal. "People who sell vaping products should be able to help people switch successfully from smoking to vaping," she said. "We also need to let people know that, once they have switched completely to vaping and no longer think there's a risk they would return to smoking, they should stop vaping. "That latter message isn't [for obvious reasons] communicated by vaping companies or retailers."
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Why disposable vapes will vanish from stores this week
By Nik Dirga of RNZ Explainer - Disposable vape fans will see their habit go up in smoke from Tuesday, as tough new vape rules kick in. Here's what you need to know about changes to vape sales and advertising. What's being banned? The distribution, manufacture, sale and supply of disposable vapes is being banned from Tuesday. "We are getting rid of vapes that are most popular among young people, and that can only be positive," Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said in announcing the changes last year. The 2023/24 NZ Health Survey found 10.5 percent of people aged 15 to 17 vaped daily. However, pod-style vaping devices will still be sold. They contain pre-filled pods which are swapped out to refill the vape. Also as of Tuesday, vaping devices, products and packaging can no longer be displayed at general retailers. Specialist vape stores must not display products in any way that makes them visible from outside their place of business - that includes advertising, display in online stores and in vending machines. There are also many new restrictions on advertising to promote or encourage the use of vaping products, including to existing customers. The new raft of advertising restrictions mean businesses could face a $2000 infringement fine. For instance, the government says it would violate the new regulations if a shop is advertising or posting about vaping products on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Google business listings. "From the 17th June we will no longer be able to show images of the products," one online vape retailer says on its website. There's quite a lot of detail in the new advertising rules and a full breakdown can be found on Health New Zealand's website. Also as of Tuesday, vaping specialist retailers can no longer use various promotional techniques such as giving away free vaping products, discounts, offering rewards, cash rebates or gifts for the purchase of vaping products, or offer lotteries or games to people who buy vaping products. Haven't there already been some restrictions on vapes? Yes, as part of the series of changes to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 last year. The new changes are the second line of alterations which began coming into effect in December. As of December, fines for selling to minors and publishing prohibited advertisements were increased, and new vape speciality stores were forbidden from opening within 100 metres of early childhood education centres. There were already location restrictions saying speciality vape stores had to be at least 300 metres from schools or marae. In introducing the amendments to smoking regulations last year, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said, "New Zealand was too slow to effectively regulate vaping, and youth vaping rates are too high". "We have collectively agreed that, we have recognised that, and we know that we can do better. We have to stop young people from taking it up as a habit." The ban on disposable vapes was put off for six months to allow retailers to prepare for the changes. Jonathan Devery, chair of the Vaping Industry Association of New Zealand, said the group does support the disposable vapes ban, with a few caveats. He said while VIANZ "supports the intent behind the policy - to reduce youth access and address the environmental impact of single-use products - the association is urging caution about the potential unintended consequences". University of Otago public health professor Janet Hoek, a leading researcher into vaping, said whether or not the ban will make a difference will depend on enforcement and product innovation by the industry. Will people just switch from disposable vapes to refillable pods? "I would expect [the ban] to reduce youth vaping given young people are very price sensitive," Hoek said. "However, if the industry responds, as I think it is likely to do, by introducing cheaper pod vapes, the impact will be much less limited than we might hope." "They're not a straightforward replacement," Devery said. "There's a real risk that removing the most convenient smoking cessation option could drive consumers back to cigarettes." Hoek said many manufacturers may look for loopholes they can exploit with bans. "Disposable vapes are typically inexpensive [i.e., may cost less than $10 a device], so the vaping industry may respond by introducing new lower priced reusable vapes," Hoek said, saying she had seen pod starter kits - without pods, which cost extra - being advertised for under $10. "We saw this behaviour among tobacco companies as they tried to undermine the impact of increased tobacco excise taxes [they 'shifted' the tax to higher priced brands, away from lower priced brands and introduced entirely new brands to create a new 'super value' partition within the market]." Devery of VIANZ said it's possible some vape sales may just go underground. "There are also serious concerns about enforcement," he said. "Early warnings from the UK, where a disposable vape ban came into effect on 1 June, suggest black market sales are likely to increase." Hoek said there is a lot of concern that manufacturers may find ways around disposable bans - she pointed to 'Big Puff' high-capacity throwaway vapes that have drawn concern in the UK with their own disposables ban. What does this mean for the vaping industry? "We have consistently called for a full ban on disposable vapes, rather than incremental technical fixes, and we welcome the environmental benefits it will bring," Devery said. "But the transition must be managed carefully to avoid driving consumers back to smoking or into unregulated markets." The industry group feels that some of the advertising restrictions may ultimately harm consumers and make it harder for retailers to interact with them. "Many retailers, especially online, have relied on clear product information and guidance to help adults make informed choices," Devery said. "New restrictions will limit what can be communicated, making it harder for consumers to understand available options or find support to switch." "Retailers are still recovering from last year's rushed regulations that left them with unsellable stock and high compliance costs - from updating websites to in-store signage," he said. Many retailers have discounted their products heavily before the bans take effect. But should more be done to control vaping? Hoek said she thought the new measures would help cut youth vaping, but more strategy was needed. "There are many omissions from the measures (e.g., the high concentration of vape stores in lower income communities; the location of vape stores right next to schools). I would favour a more proactive strategy that reduced the appeal, availability, addictiveness and affordability of vaping products." One of the key complaints about disposable vapes have been the waste they generate, Devery said. "Removing disposables will help cut vape-related e-waste by over 80 percent according to our industry estimates, but more must be done," he said. "VIANZ recommends expanded take-back schemes like VapeCycle, producer-responsibility regulations, and better consumer education on safe disposal." "I would favour a 'polluter pays' model, where vape companies are responsible for the costs their products create," Hoek said. "Vape companies have been given clear rules to follow, and yet some are already looking for loopholes," Asthma and Respiratory Foundation chief executive Letitia Harding said in a statement. Will this help New Zealand meet its Smokefree 2025 goals? Back in 2011, New Zealand's government set the goal of a Smokefree New Zealand by 2025. There have been concerns that goal is falling short, with particular worries about Māori and Pasifika smoking rates. Costello has maintained the government's changes will continue work toward the target. "We do not want our young people vaping," Costello said in Parliament. "We do not want them taking up this habit. We do not want them to be nicotine addicted. We also don't want anybody taking up tobacco and smoking." The current smokefree goal aims to have less than 5 percent of the population smoking by December, but the latest data reveals there are still about 300,000 daily smokers - 6.9 percent of adults - across the country. "VIANZ urges the government to closely monitor the ban's impact on smoking rates, particularly among priority groups, and ensure regulations don't inadvertently harm those most vulnerable," Deverey said. "Vaping regulation must be viewed in the context of the devastating harm caused by smoking, which kills two out of every three users." "Strong rules and environmental responsibility are essential, but the broader goal must remain to reduce smoking and improve public health outcomes." Hoek said it's important vaping retailers were brought along on that goal. "People who sell vaping products should be able to help people switch successfully from smoking to vaping," she said. "We also need to let people know that, once they have switched completely to vaping and no longer think there's a risk they would return to smoking, they should stop vaping. "That latter message isn't [for obvious reasons] communicated by vaping companies or retailers."
Scoop
01-06-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Run It And Brain Injuries: What You Need To Know
Article – RNZ Explainer – A 19-year-old died playing a version of the controversial violent 'Run It' contest. Just how dangerous is it? , Digital Explainer Editor Explainer – A 19-year-old from Palmerston North died recently playing a version of the controversial violent 'Run It' contest. How can a knock on the head kill? Here's what you need to know about brain injuries. What is Run It? An Australian creation that has taken off in Aotearoa thanks to social media, 'Run It Straight' is a combat sport. Across a field, a ball runner and defender charge at full speed toward one another without helmets or safety gear. The participant who 'dominates' the contact is deemed the winner. Events held in New Zealand recently offer cash prizes, including a $200,000 prize advertised for the winner of the final. Many sporting groups and health experts have condemned the contests, including NZ Rugby and NZ Rugby League. What happened to Ryan Satterthwaite? The 19-year-old Palmerston North man died Monday night in hospital, after suffering a catastrophic head injury on Sunday, 25 May playing an unofficial Run It-style game with friends. Police said it was an unspectacular tackle that led to the tragedy. Manawatū area commander inspector Ross Grantham told RNZ's Checkpoint that Ryan's head didn't hit anything hard during the tackle. 'It was just an impromptu event with some mates that got together and the two men run towards each other, and from that collision, this young man Ryan has received such a terrible injury that it's been fatal,' Grantham said. 'It doesn't look like his head has hit anything hard, hasn't hit the ground, or his mate's body or head. It's the movement that has caused this injury.' Satterthwaite's family have urged people not to take part in the game, with his uncle calling it 'the most stupid thing I've ever seen'. The death comes after two other men were knocked unconscious and required medical attention during a competition at Auckland's Trust Arena. What happens to the brain with this kind of impact? People don't understand how fragile the brain really is, said Dr Helen Murray, a neuroscientist and senior research fellow at the University of Auckland's Centre for Brain Research. 'The main thing to think about is our brain is essentially floating in cerebrospinal fluid inside our skull, so every time you bump the front of your skull, the brain is moving around in your head. 'It's sort of like an egg in an eggshell – if you shake it, you damage what's inside. It's a very delicate structure.' Knocks to the head can cause bleeding or harm the careful infrastructure inside our skulls. 'All of those delicate folds of the brain are stretching and twisting, and that can cause damage,' she said. 'Blood is not supposed to be in direct contact with brain tissue.' Bleeding on the brain can cause problems such as a stroke. The exact details of Satterthwaite's injuries have not been revealed, but sudden death from a brain injury can also occur because it regulates most of our body functions. If the brain stem – which connects your brain to the spinal cord – is affected, it can result in critical injuries. 'Your brain stem is really responsible for a lot of what we call homeostatic functions, the things that keep your body alive,' Dr Murray said. 'You don't think about your heart beating, you don't think about your breathing or your blood pressure, but your brain is always making that happen all the time.' Several people are believed to have suffered concussions – a brain injury caused by a blow to the head – during Run It activities. Chief executive of the Headway brain injury support charity Stacey Mowbray recently told RNZ she found Run It Straight video footage 'horrendous and really distressing'. 'We refer to concussions as the invisible injury, so you don't have to see anything initially to have had one.' Can you be hurt and not realise it right away? Even if the injury isn't immediately fatal, brain injuries can also develop over years. 'Your brain is so precious and a brain injury affects, not only your life, but your friends, your family and the people around you, and it can last a long, long time,' Dr Murray said. Haven't there been concerns about brain injuries in contact sport for a while? Absolutely, and the particularly stark nature of Run It events has drawn attention to long-standing research about sports players developing life-changing injuries. Brain injuries in sport cost New Zealand millions every year. Some former athletes have been diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy or CTE, a progressive brain disease that can cause dementia-like symptoms. Former All Black Carl Hayman has spoken out about living with the disease, which he was diagnosed with in his early 40s. Dr Murray is one of New Zealand's leading experts on CTE and an ice hockey player herself. She said contact sports can be played safely, but events like Run It lacked safeguards. 'There are some unique factors in this Run It event that just make it a really, really heavy risk – the fact that no-one is trying to avoid a collision, for starters. 'You instantly have this high-force component, the lack of regulation, people just kind of doing this without safe tackling technique. Someone's judging the collision, so there's an incentive for high damage. 'So many sports have been doing a fantastic job about learning to play more safely… but this is a big step backwards.' What is the future of Run It? West Auckland's Trusts Arena cancelled plans to host the final event for the Runit Championship League after holding trials there. 'Safety of all participants at our venue is paramount and this activity presented safety considerations that we could not overlook,' Trusts Arena's general manager of community engagement Lynette Adams told the New Zealand Herald. Should it be illegal? After Satterthwaite's death, police said it was not considered a criminal matter, but they would continue to make inquiries on behalf of the Coroner. 'We need people to stop participating in activities where the intention is to hurt someone,' AUT professor of human performance Patria Hume told the Science Media Centre. 'Why is this not considered assault?' Sports and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell is seeking advice on what could be done about the game. He told RNZ's Nine To Noon last week he had asked Sport NZ for advice to see if there was anything that could be done at a government level. Mitchell said it would likely require a response from several agencies.
