Woodend School excited about vaping changes

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Woodend School’s student leaders are excited about changes to vaping legislation.

In the changes announced on June 6, the Government said it would put a stop to vape shops opening within 300 metres of a school or marae.

It would also cut down on disposable vapes, restrict descriptions on product flavours, and prohibit enticing names such as "cotton candy" and "strawberry jelly donut".

Principal Andrew Retallick said the announcement by Health Minister Ayesha Verrall showed the stance by his student leaders in speaking out had paid off.

Student leader Jasper Rosewarne launched a petition earlier this year, after learning a vape shop had opened across the road from the school over the summer holidays, with the support of Retallick and the other student leaders.

"Jasper shared with us the government’s moves around vaping and we had a good discussion," Retallick said.

"It shows having the article in the paper and being on TV news made a difference.

"We were really happy when we learned of the announcement - it is a good start."

Jasper’s father, North Canterbury-based Labour List MP Dan Rosewarne, said having organisations like Woodend and Belfast Schools and the Cancer Society speaking out, made it easier to make a case to the Health Minister for change.

"It is a good shot in the arm for the kids at Woodend School," he said.

But Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney said the changes were too little, too late.

"The shops are already there. Are they removing them?"

Kearney also questioned the restricting of flavours.

"Why do we need flavours? If it is a vehicle to stop smoking there does not need to be a flavour."

The Australian government recently announced a ban on recreational vaping, while the United Kingdom is considering a crack down.

The New Zealand government has ruled out following suit, but Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has directed the Health Minister to bring some suggestions to Cabinet.

For now the government’s priority was on the Smokefree 2025 goal, focused on tobacco.