Vape shop numbers 'seem to be getting out of control' - mayor
Wairoa mayor Craig Little urges councils to limit vape shop numbers to curb proliferation and protect youth.Summary
Eight vape retailers operate in Wairoa, a town of about 5,000, including two specialised vape shops and six other retailers that sold vapes without Ministry of Health approval. Mayor Craig Little proposes that councils be empowered to cap the number of vape outlets within their boundaries, suggesting a “sinking lid” policy similar to the one used for pokies to prevent new stores from opening. He warns that vaping has become normalized and easily accessible for young people, citing a 2024/25 Health NZ survey showing nearly 14 % of 15‑to‑17‑year‑olds vape daily and research that 81 % of vape shops are within 800 m of schools. Little urges other councils to join his call and plans to raise the issue at Local Government New Zealand’s upcoming AGM.
(Source：Rnz Co Nz)
