Starting in the New Year, New Zealanders looking to quit smoking will have access to new resources, including vaping starter kits, announced Associate Health Minister Casey Costello today.

The initiative aims to assist those who have already tried other methods and will be available at Stop Smoking Services nationwide.

“More people attempt to quit during Christmas and New Year, and smoking cessation providers are receiving additional tools to help smokers succeed,” said Costello.

“From next week, vaping starter kits will be provided for free to adults who smoke, particularly helping those who have struggled with other quitting methods.”

Each kit includes a vape device and a month’s supply of nicotine pods, distributed monthly for up to three months, along with ongoing support from Stop Smoking Services.

Costello highlighted that vaping has been instrumental in reducing smoking rates and that the government supports its use as a less harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes.

“Research shows that people using quit smoking services are four times more likely to quit successfully than those who don’t,” she added. “This initiative provides another valuable tool in the fight against smoking.”

The Minister also stressed New Zealand’s leadership in reducing smoking rates but emphasised the need to intensify efforts in order to meet the goal of reducing smoking rates below five per cent by 2025.

“We need to reinvigorate our stop smoking efforts and target the right people to meet our Smokefree 2025 goals,” Costello said.

“The Getting to Smokefree 2025 plan is about providing the right tools and resources to encourage more people to quit smoking.”