--- title: Vape-Free Kids NZ description: Grassroots group of volunteers working to tackle the youth vaping crisis in NZ. --- [Skip to content](https://vapefreekidsnz.org#main-content) [![Vape Free Kids NZ logo small-1](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Vape%20Free%20Kids%20NZ%20logo%20small-1.jpg?width=150&height=150&name=Vape%20Free%20Kids%20NZ%20logo%20small-1.jpg "Vape Free Kids NZ logo small-1")](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://vapefreekidsnz.org) - [Updates](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/updates) - [Resources](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/resources) - [Home](https://vapefreekidsnz.org) - [Updates](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/updates) - [Resources](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/resources) ![GL VFK 3](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/hs-fs/hubfs/GL%20VFK%203.png?width=1789&height=1023&name=GL%20VFK%203.png "GL VFK 3") # Help us get youth vaping on the election agenda! Vape-Free Kids NZ has been given the opportunity to do something about it, something bigger than anything we've done before. And we need your help to make it happen! We can’t tell you exactly what we’re planning yet - it needs to stay under wraps until launch! But what we can say is that seriously talented people have come on board, and an extraordinary amount of professional expertise and resources have already been donated. [Click to read more](https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-us-get-youth-vaping-on-the-election-agenda) # Grassroots group tackling the youth vaping crisis Vape-Free Kids NZ (VFKNZ) is a grassroots group of parents and whānau wanting to reduce harm to rangatahi from vaping. VFKNZ is entirely run by volunteers. Our kaupapa is about calling on the government to deliver more stringent measures to address the youth vaping crisis.  ![ERobertsMustCcredit14-resized](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/hubfs/ERobertsMustCcredit14-resized.jpg) [Our Position Statement](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/position-statement?hsLang=en) [VFKNZ News & Updates](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/updates?hsLang=en) [Recent News on Vaping](https://raindrop.io/vapefreekidsnz/vfk-nz-36438012) [Download our Brochure](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hePQgX3v0Fymps1DgbO4V3NeB9lx_fVA/view?usp=sharing) ### Health Select Committee Presentation On 27 March 2024, all five Vape-Free Kids NZ co-founders went to Parliament to give an oral submission on the Petition submitted in 2023, and met with the Associate Minister of Health, Casey Costello.  We'll continue to hold the government accountable for the promises they made before the election to crack down on youth vaping. Watch: [Health Select Committee follow up session on 10 Apr 2024](https://vimeo.com/showcase/10758257/video/927784515) # TVNZ Breakfast - Kids vaping despite law changes May 11, 2026 Vape-Free Kids NZ co-founder Marnie Wilton spoke to TVNZ Breakfast about the issues around the high levels of young people vaping despite law changes, and what action needs to be taken including reducing availability and appeal of vapes being available in over 1500 flavour combinations, in 7000 retail outlets across Aotearoa.    Video player - Screenshot 2026-08-07 123751 - Click to play video # Mums Awarded For Drive To End Youth Vaping In New Zealand Reposted from the [Asthma & Respiratory Foundation NZ![WhatsApp Image 2024-05-24 at 2.11.34 PM](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/hs-fs/hubfs/WhatsApp%20Image%202024-05-24%20at%202.11.34%20PM.jpeg?width=306&height=306&name=WhatsApp%20Image%202024-05-24%20at%202.11.34%20PM.jpeg)](https://www.asthmafoundation.org.nz/stories/mums-awarded-for-drive-to-end-youth-vaping-in-new-zealand) *Five mums are on a crusade to raise awareness of New Zealand’s vaping epidemic and to fight for families who have been torn apart by addiction.* A group of passionate mums dedicated to helping families torn apart by the youth vaping epidemic has been recognised for their efforts. Vape-Free Kids NZ was awarded the inaugural Youth Anti-Vaping Champion award at the 2024 Respiratory Achievers’ Awards on Thursday evening. [Read more here](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/updates/2024-youth-anti-vaping-champion-award?hsLang=en) ## How you can help ## Join us Follow our Facebook page and join our private Facebook group --- - Our private group is a safe place for whanāu and educators to come together, share stories, support, and more. --- [Join our FB group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/vapefreekidsnz/) ## Write to your MP We need our government to hear our concerns and take action.  --- - Sending letters and emails lets our MPs know what matters, be the squeaky wheel. --- [Find your local MP](https://www.govt.nz/browse/engaging-with-government/members-of-parliament/) ## Report a breach Seen something? Say something. --- - Make a complaint about a retailer selling vapes or tobacco to people under 18, displaying tobacco products about smoking or vaping in workplaces, restaurants, pubs or other licenced premises, or if you have a concern about general or specialist vape retailers. --- [Report a breach](https://www.healthnz.govt.nz/contact-us/make-a-smoking-or-vaping-complaint) ## NZ Youth Vaping Facts Here are some facts and figures from the latest Ministry of Health annual health survey from 2024/2025:   - **27,000** of15 to 17 year olds (13.6%) are vaping daily. - **1 in 4** young people age 18 to 24 are vaping each day. - **68,000** current 15 to 17 year olds have tried vaping. **Other figures:** - A Cardiac and Respiratory Foundation NZ[study in 2024](https://d4rrix8lossxs.cloudfront.net/media/documents/A_2024_report_into_youth_vaping_FINAL_Nov_12th_2024.pdf) estimated 3.7% of Year 7, 1.8% of Year 8 and 4.5% of Year 9 kids had vaped with in the last week. Vaping in the media ### Vape retailer flees NZ Anna Stewart from VFK NZ speaks to Breakfast about a Christchurch retailer who fled NZ ahead of court proceedings for selling vapes to minors. ### Vape ads targeting NZ kids Tammy Downer from VFK NZ speaks to Breakfast about how vape ads target children on social media. ### Hastings rally preparation Sukhdeep Singh speaks to Breakfast ahead of a rally in Hastings calling for tougher action against vaping. ### Vaping stand down data New data show vaping a bigger issue in primary schools that high schools in some regions. ### ARFNZ vaping guidelines Asthma and Respiratory Foundation launch NZ's first guidelines to support rangatahi to quit vaping. ### Call for stronger regulations 1 in 5 kiwi kids are vaping daily, principal Vaughan Cauillault calls for better regulations. ### Petition presentation VFK NZ presented over 13,000 signatures in support of our cause to Parliament. ### Parakai protest VFK NZ organises a protest against a new vape store opening next to a school gate in West Auckland. ### Affected family speaks out A family affected by youth vape addiction speaks to The Project about their experience. ## Recent News about Vaping All the latest coverage about vaping and Vape-Free Kids in NZ news outlets [Vaping in the news](https://raindrop.io/vapefreekidsnz/vfk-nz-36438012) # What we want More meaningful action to tackle the high number of young people vaping in New Zealand, including but not limited to: - Strict **retail licensing for all sellers of vaping products** in Aotearoa, which should also result in a r**eduction in the number of outlets selling vapes.** - Introduce a **vaping excise tax**, applied to vape liquids. - Mandatory **third-party online age verification** for all websites, and additional enforcement powers allowing authorities to remove websites, social media and non-compliant online content. - **Reduce the number of vape flavours** to just 3: tobacco, menthol and mint. - Require **standardised plain packaging** for vaping products. - Introduce additional w**arnings on vape products including cancer warning labels.** - Fund and support frontline quit smoking services and Quitline to provide **quit vaping support.** - More investment into supporting schools, communities, parents, and rangatahi for **education and vaping cessation.** **Future aspiration:** work towards a future nicotine-free Aotearoa with the sale of nicotine products including vapes requiring Medsafe approval if they are to be sold.  ![020124-vaping-008](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/hs-fs/hubfs/020124-vaping-008.jpg?width=685&height=457&name=020124-vaping-008.jpg "020124-vaping-008") ## Get in touch We are always looking for more volunteers to get involved. If you have any skills that could help support our cause or personal experience of vaping that you could share, please get in touch.   ![6](https://vapefreekidsnz.org/hs-fs/hubfs/6.png?width=150&height=150&name=6.png "6") #### Join the conversation [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vapefreekidsnz) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/vape-free-kids-nz/) [Email Us](mailto:vapefreekidsnz@gmail.com) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/vapefreekidsnz) [Follow us on TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@vape_free_kids_nz)                         © 2026 Vape-Free Kids NZ