Media release

From: Pasifika Medical Association Group

This study used a 20-year-old “mystery shopper” to test the compliance of specialist vape stores in the Wellington Region to regulations intended to address youth vaping. Only one store (1.4%) requested age identification (ID) on entry to the R18 premises. In 50% of stores, ID was requested when a purchase was made; however, a third of those retailers proceeded with the sale despite the buyer not providing ID. Disposable vapes remained available for NZ$10 or less in most stores, and reusable starter kits were also widely available for NZ$10–20. Discounted high-nicotine disposables were sold for as little as NZ$2.50 each, with the cheapest vapes sold in the most socio-economically deprived suburbs, where vape stores were clustered. Most low-price disposables did not comply with the new nicotine limits and safety regulations that came into force in December 2023.