The New Zealand Government is set to publicly recommend that Kiwis seeking to quit tobacco could use vaping as a healthier alternative, with a media campaign set to begin in August.

While the New Zealand Ministry for Health website notes it “does not have enough evidence to recommend vaping products confidently as a smoking-cessation tool”, a spokesperson confirmed that vaping is intended to be a safe gateway for those who wish to give up cigarettes.

“There is a scientific consensus that vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking,” the spokesperson said.

“It is likely vaping can also be used to stop smoking but the evidence is still emerging. A number of large studies are underway and more information will be available over the next year.”

The campaign is also set to limit access to vaping devices for non-smokers, especially the under-age, while also focusing on Māori women – who have been shown to have the highest smoking rate in the country at 32.5 percent.

The shift in thinking is likely to assist with the Government’s ‘Smoke-free 2025’ target.