“Following a Māori affairs Select Committee inquiry in 2011, the Government committed to achieving an essentially smokefree Aotearoa by 2025. 

“However, over the decade that followed, Aotearoa’s tobacco control programme continued to be delivered in a business as a usual approach." 

Professor Andrew Waa who is involved in tobacco research and specialises in Māori health discussed that while the evidence around very low nicotine content (VLNC) was still developing, the effects that introducing VLNC's could have on our communities would be highly beneficial especially for Māori and other considerably high risk groups.  

“We have always known that tobacco usage is not good for any person, however we’ve seen that Māori rates are much higher and that the business as usual approach around smoking cessation does not work. 

“By introducing VLNCs we remove the hit that people get from nicotine." 

In regards to vaping as an alternative, Professor Waa expressed that the effects are beyond just physical. 

“Vaping is a divisive topic. It is an industry of its own entirely. From a Māori perspective, vaping has more than just physical effects, there are also psychological ones to consider.” 

Professor Waa believes that the approach to the cessation of smoking needs to come from a place of support rather than criticism.  

“We need to see more supportive initiatives coming through. Only having VLNC as the sole option is a great start as it eliminates any other choice. 

“We see people arguing that their freedom of choice is being taken away but what people don't see when it comes to smoking is the slow death that almost 50% of smokers endure at the end of life in respiratory diseases, lung cancers - you know. We are often too focused on the now and forget to consider the overall quality of life. 

“It is so important that our high risk vulnerable groups that need empowerment and support such as Māori and Pasifika are a part of the process when it comes to the decision making of how we continue to cease tobacco usage.” 

As part of a goal to end the harm and causes of smoking, the Ministry of Health launched the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Action Plan. Read it here.  

Read the latest NZ Medical Journal Issue here.