The government's plan to offer vaping starter kits through stop-smoking services is facing criticism from health experts concerned about potential long-term risks.

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive Letitia Harding has expressed deep concerns about the move, which allows stop-smoking services to begin distributing vaping kits next week.

Harding argues that vaping products, not approved as official smoking cessation tools, could lead to further health complications down the line.

"We support efforts to help smokers quit, but not by introducing another product that can also be harmful," Harding said.

She highlighted the government's plan's significant flaw as the absence of meaningful consultation with independent health experts, stakeholders, or the public.

"It leaves many questions unanswered. Why was there no proper engagement with health professionals or the wider community? This lack of detail is deeply concerning," she said.

A central concern for the Foundation is the lack of an exit strategy for smokers who transition to vaping.

Harding questioned how the government plans to ensure these individuals are not left with a new addiction to nicotine.

"There needs to be a clear pathway for people to move away from nicotine altogether," she said. "We see no evidence of that in the current proposal."

The Smokefree 2025 initiative, which aims to reduce smoking rates nationwide, should prioritize evidence-based strategies that help individuals quit nicotine entirely, Harding stressed.

Instead, the current approach risks merely swapping one addiction for another.

Harding also noted the importance of ongoing support for those who quit smoking, emphasizing that vapers need guidance to eventually give up vaping as well.

Without such support, she fears the plan could create more problems than it solves.

"We urge the government to rethink its approach," Harding said.

"This cannot simply be about shifting smokers from one form of nicotine to another. The focus should be on helping people break free from nicotine entirely."

The Foundation calls for a comprehensive review of the proposal, ensuring it aligns with long-term public health goals and addresses the potential unintended consequences of promoting vaping as a cessation tool.