How Many People Vape in the New Zealand? (2024)
E-cigarettes have the potential to contribute to New Zealand’s Smokefree 2025 mission by assisting smokers to quit or reduce their cigarette consumption.
Data from the New Zealand Health Survey, a vital tool for assessing tobacco use among people aged 15 and over, suggests a positive decline in smoking rates alongside a substantial increase in vaping rates. From 2020 onwards, vaping is linked to a reduction in smoking, leading to a rise in the number of vapers.
This blog aims to critically analyze the number of vapers in New Zealand to comprehend the growing momentum of vaping compared to traditional smoking.
Contents:
– New Zealand Vaping Statistics (Key Points)
– Number of People Vaping in New Zealand
– Vaping Trends Among Teenagers
– Vaping Rates Among Young Adults
– E-Cigarette Market In New Zealand
– Cannabis Consumption In New Zealand
– Vaping vs Daily Smoking: Which Reigns Supreme?
– Why Are People Choosing E-cigarettes?
New Zealand Vaping Statistics (Key Points)
– In New Zealand, approximately 408,000 people vape daily, representing 9.7% of the adult population.
– NZ’s e-cigarette market generates NZ$356.9 million in 2024, showcasing its pivotal role in the economy
– About 10.3% of people aged 15 and over in New Zealand vape at least once a month.
– More than one in every four people aged 18 to 24 vape daily, which is six times the number from five years ago.
– The permitted nicotine limit allowed among vaping products in New Zealand is 50mg/ml.
– The day-to-day vaping rate among teenagers 14 to 15 years old has been recorded at 10.1%, while the rate was recorded at 21.7% among Māori teens.
Number of People Vaping in New Zealand
As of 2022/2023, around 408,000 people in New Zealand vape every day. This makes up about 9.7% of adults. Vaping is very common among younger people: about 15.4% of 15-17 year olds and 25.2% of 18-24 year olds vape daily.
Vaping Trends:
About 10.3% of people aged 15 and over are vaping at least once a month. This figure has seen a remarkable increase from 3.9% in 2018. As more people embrace vaping, the move toward avoiding traditional smoking becomes more pronounced, which benefits public health.
Daily Vaping Prevalence
Teenagers (14-15 years old):
The daily vaping rates among teenagers aged 14 to 15 years old have been recorded at 10.1%. This percentage indicates a significant interest in vaping within this age group, suggesting that younger individuals, particularly teenagers, are opting for vaping over traditional smoking to begin their nicotine consumption journey.
Among Māori youths, the rate is much greater at 21.7%, indicating an essential fondness for vaping in this cohort.
Older Teenagers (15-17 years old):
The daily vaping rate among those aged 15 to 17 has risen sharply from 8.3% in 2021/2022 to 15.4% in 2022/2023. The increase in popularity shows the acceptance and use of vaping as a safer alternative to smoking and making sound choices in nicotine consumption.
Young Adults (18-24 years old):
More than one in every four people aged 18 to 24 vape daily, a figure that has increased sixfold over the past five years. This substantial increase displays the wide acceptance of vaping by young adults, who are probably looking for better substitutes for harmful smoking.
Nicotine Limit:
The nicotine threshold for e-cigarette goods in New Zealand is 50mg/ml. This regulation makes sure that vaping goods include sufficient nicotine to quench cravings for those moving from regular cigarettes.
Source: PHCC
Vaping Trends Among Teenagers
Vaping trends among New Zealand youth aged 15-17 years.
Source: phcc.org.nz
The graph provides data on vaping trends in New Zealand, focusing on three main categories: those who have ever tried vaping, current users, and daily users.
Ever Tried Vaping
2021/22: 30.4%
2022/23: 38.4%
From 2021/22 to 2022/23, the percentage of people who have tried vaping increased from 30.4% to 38.4%. This tremendous 8% point increase implies renewed enthusiasm for vaping, which could be driven by novel offerings, improved accessibility, or evolving opinions of vaping.
Current Vaping Users
2021/22: 13.8%
2022/23: 20%
The percentage of current vaping users increased from 13.8% in 2021/22 to 20% in 2022/23. This substantial rise of 6.2% points indicates a growing number of individuals who have adopted vaping in recent times.
Daily Vaping Users
2021/22: 8.3%
2022/23: 15.4%
The percentage of daily vaping users rose from 8.3% in 2021/22 to 15.4% in 2022/23, a significant increase of 7.1% points. This may underscore the effectiveness of vaping in replacing traditional smoking habits.
| Category | Year | Percentage | Percentage Point Change |
| Ever Tried Vaping | 2021/22 | 30.4% | - |
| 2022/23 | 38.4% | +8.0 | |
| Current Vaping Users | 2021/22 | 13.8% | - |
| 2022/23 | 20.0% | +6.2% | |
| Daily Vaping Users | 2021/22 | 8.3% | - |
| 2022/23 | 15.4% | +7.1 |
Summary of Trends
– Ever Tried Vaping: The significant increase from 30.4% to 38.4% demonstrates that the population is becoming more curious about and eager to try vaping.
– Current Users: The increase from 13.8% to 20% indicates a consistent and expanding acceptability of vaping as a regular practice.
– Daily consumers: The rise in consumption from 8.3% to 15.4% indicates a substantial move toward daily usage, showing vaping’s growing inclusion into consumers’ daily lives.
Teenagers Show Responsible Vaping Habits
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Did not vape when others were present | 78.6% |
| In Car | 92.9% |
| Perceptions of Harm | |
| - Less harmful than cigarettes | 40.0% |
| - About the same as cigarettes | 34.3% |
| - More harmful than cigarettes | 25.7% |
| Reasons for Vaping | |
| - Look/feel of the device | 15.4% |
| - Flavours available | 23.1% |
| - Price | 23.1% |
| - Safety factors | 0.0% |
| - Recommendation from friend | 7.7% |
| - Advised by vape shop | 0.0% |
| - Can be used discreetly | 15.4% |
| - Other reason | 15.4% |
The table provides statistics on teenagers’ e-cigarette use, their perceptions of harm, and the reasons for choosing an e-cigarette brand.
Did Not Vape When Others Were Present:
In-home: 78.6%
In-car: 92.9%
A large majority of teenagers are thoughtful about vaping in the presence of others, with 78.6% avoiding vaping at home and 92.9% avoiding it in cars. This overall reflects the prudent behavior of teenagers in using vaping gadgets responsibly, and not using them in places such as cars that can lead to harmful consequences.
Understanding the Perceptions of Harm:
About 40% of teenagers perceive e-cigarettes as less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful can potentially guide them toward making safer nicotine choices.
Main Reason for Choosing the Current Brand of E-cigarette:
The preference for e-cigarettes based on factors such as flavors (23.1%) and price (23.1%) suggests that teenagers are making choices based on personal preferences and cost considerations.
The considerably low influence of peer recommendation (7.7%) and advice from vape shops (0.0%) indicates that teenagers are more likely to make independent decisions about their vaping habits.
Vaping Rates Among Young Adults
Vaping trends among New Zealand young adults aged 18-24 years.
Source: phcc.org.nz
The graph provides a detailed view of the vaping trends in New Zealand among young adults, focusing on three main categories: those who have ever tried vaping, current users, and daily users.
Ever Tried Vaping
2021/22: 59.6%
2022/23: 54%
From 2021/22 to 2022/23, the percentage of people who have tried vaping decreased from 59.6% to 54%. This 5.6% point drop may indicate that the initial surge of interest in attempting vaping has peaked, implying that those who are interested in trying vaping have already done so.
Current Vaping Users
2021/22: 28.1%
2022/23: 30.4%
The percentage of current vaping users increased from 28.1% in 2021/22 to 30.4% in 2022/23, a 2.3-point rise that indicates a growing number of individuals who have adopted vaping regularly.
Daily Vaping Users
2021/22: 23%
2022/23: 25.2%
The percentage of daily vaping users rose from 23% in 2021/22 to 25.2% in 2022/23, a 2.2% point increase. This trend indicates that not only are increasing numbers of individuals vaping, but a sizable proportion of them are incorporating it into their daily routines.
This highlights the success rate of vaping in eliminating traditional smoking habits.
Summary of Trends
– Ever Tried Vaping: There is a substantial drop of 5.6%, indicating that the majority of interested persons have already tried vaping.
– Current Users: The increased trend implies (2.3% point) that vaping devices are becoming more popular and used daily among consumers.
– Daily Users: The steady increase (2.2%) indicates a rising reliance on vaping, reflecting its importance in daily life and possible success in smoking cessation.
Sources: asthmafoundation.org.nz, asthmafoundation.org.nz/news-events/2023, phcc.org.nz, phcc.org.nz
E-Cigarette Market In New Zealand
Recently, in 2024, in New Zealand, the revenue produced by the E-Cigarette market is recorded at NZ$356.9 million.
The market is expected to increase at a 3.85% annual pace between 2024 and 2029 (CAGR 2024-2029).
In the context of per-person revenue, each person in New Zealand is expected to generate NZ US$77.34 in 2024.
Market Impact:
The e-cigarette market’s revenue of NZ$356.9 million in 2024 is a testament to its significant role in the New Zealand economy. It’s not just about the numbers, but also about the job opportunities, tax revenues, and business opportunities it creates.
Source: Statista
Growth Trajectory:
The proposed annual growth rate of 3.85% from 2024 to 2029 hints at a promising future for the e-cigarette market in New Zealand. The steady and stable e-cigarette market expansion further complements the global trends since e-cigarettes have become a preferable choice for traditional smoking reduction around the globe.
Consumer Engagement:
| Year | Value (in USD) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 34.96 |
| 2019 | 42.28 |
| 2020 | 48.56 |
| 2021 | 57.21 |
| 2022 | 65.14 |
| 2023 | 72.03 |
| 2024 | 77.34 |
| 2025 | 81.04 |
| 2026 | 82.69 |
| 2027 | 84.02 |
| 2028 | 87.26 |
| 2029 | 89.28 |
The per-person revenue of NZ$77.34 in 2024 demonstrates the flooding consumer engagement with e-cigarette products. Furthermore, it reveals the substantial spending power of e-cigarette consumers and their unparalleled commitment to these products.
Source: Statista
Cannabis Consumption In New Zealand
Vape Store Expansion
In the past few years, New Zealand has seen a significant increase in the number of registered vape stores, including cannabis dispensaries. In 2021, there were only 130 registered E-cigarette stores, but by January 2023, this number had grown to approximately 1000 vape stores across New Zealand.
This rapid expansion, representing a growth of roughly 669% over just 16 months, clearly indicates the substantial demand for vaping products and a thriving e-cigarette market.
| Year | Number of Registered vape stores |
|---|---|
| 2021 (Jan) | 130 |
| 2023 (Jan) | 1000 |
| Growth | Approximately 669% increase |
This growth is primarily driven by the increasing customer acceptance of e-cigarette devices over traditional smoking methods, which provides a stable foundation for the market’s future.
Revenue Growth in the Cannabis Industry
By the end of 2029, the annual revenue growth rate in the cannabis industry is anticipated to reach 3.26% (CAGR 2024-2029), compelling a market volume of US$7.02m.
The diversity in revenue growth reflects ongoing consumer approval and market stabilization as cannabis becomes an established alternative to traditional smoking.
Medical Cannabis Market
By the end of 2024, the cannabis market in New Zealand is expected to reach US $5.98m. The surge In the cannabis market is driven by a remarkable level of acceptance of medical cannabis and rising patient demand for more comprehensive alternative therapies.
| Age Group | Daily vaping | Daily smoking |
|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25.2 | 3.9 |
| 15-24 | 22.1 | 3 |
| 25-34 | 14.8 | 7.9 |
| 35-44 | 10.7 | 7.8 |
| 45-54 | 6.3 | 8.5 |
| 55-64 | 4.2 | 9.7 |
| 65-74 | 2.5 | 5.9 |
| 75+ | 0.7 | 2.4 |
Source: Statista
Discussion:
People in New Zealand are increasingly falling for alternative healthcare solutions that are also natural, such as Delta 8 flower, which has distinctively become a key driver in the growing demand for cannabis products.
Customers are intrigued by a wider variety of cannabis products, including Delta 8 disposable vape, to reap the potential benefits of Cannabis and seek more convenient consumption methods.
Source: storymaps.arcgis.com, Statista
Vaping vs Daily Smoking: Which Reigns Supreme?
Percentage of daily vapers and smokers in each age group (2022/23)
| Age Group | Daily vaping | Daily smoking |
|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 25.2 | 3.9 |
| 15-24 | 22.1 | 3 |
| 25-34 | 14.8 | 7.9 |
| 35-44 | 10.7 | 7.8 |
| 45-54 | 6.3 | 8.5 |
| 55-64 | 4.2 | 9.7 |
| 65-74 | 2.5 | 5.9 |
| 75+ | 0.7 | 2.4 |
Source: phcc.org.nz
The graph distinctly displays a significant shift towards daily vaping over smoking among younger age groups in New Zealand.
Age Group 18-24
Daily Vaping: 25.2%
Daily Smoking: 3.9%
In this age group, daily vaping (25.2%) significantly outpaces daily smoking (3.9%).
Age Group 25-34
Daily Vaping: 14.8%
Daily Smoking: 7.9%
Daily vaping (14.8%) is also much higher than daily smoking (7.9%) in this demographic.
Age Group 35-44
Daily Vaping: 10.4%
Daily Smoking: 7.8%
In this age group, again the gap between daily vaping (10.4%) and daily smoking (7.8%) is considerably wider whereas vaping remains more popular.
Summary of Trends
– Youth and Young Adults (15-34): In this age group, it is evident that vaping (22.1 %: 14.8 %) is more prevalent than smoking, which further points out the strong adoption of vaping in replacement of smoking.
– Middle-aged Adults (35-54): Vaping is still common in this age group, (10.7%) although little pronounced than in the younger demographics, and the gap between smoking and Vaping narrows down, reflecting mixed adoption.
– Older Adults (55+): Vaping, in particular, is less prevalent in older adults (4.2%) compared to youth and young adults in New Zealand, reflecting that vaping is mainly perceived in a more positive light in younger demographics.
Source: phcc.org.nz
Why People Are Choosing E-cigarettes?
The most commonly cited reasons for e-cigarette use among current users
| Reason | Total (%) | Smokers (%) | Ex-smokers (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Help to cut down on smoking | 81 | 87 | 67 |
| Help to quit smoking | 78 | 75 | 87 |
| To replace some cigarettes as an alternative to quitting | N/A | 61 | N/A |
| Can use e-cigarettes in smokefree areas | 31 | 40 | 12 |
The table depicts the most commonly cited reasons for e-cigarette use among current users, segmented into total users, smokers, and ex-smokers.
Help to Cut Down on Smoking:
A high majority of e-cigarette users find vaping products instrumental in helping them cut down on their smoking habits. This is particularly evident among 87% of current smokers who are confident that E-cigarettes can potentially help them reduce their smoking habits.
Help to Quit Smoking:
A high percentage of users, especially ex-smokers (87%), believe that e-cigarettes have helped them quit smoking.
To Replace Some Cigarettes as an Alternative to Quitting:
About 61% of smokers believe that E-cigarettes can be a partial replacement for traditional cigarettes as an alternative to quitting.
Can Use E-cigarettes in Smoke-Free Areas:
A total of 40% of smokers believe that vaping gadgets provide them a medium to smoke smoke-free in areas where traditional smoking is not allowed.
Source: AmazonAWS
The Bottom Line
E-cigarette consumption is on the rise in New Zealand, mirroring similar trends observed in many other states in recent years. This increasing popularity underscores the relevance of our study and its findings.
This study’s findings indicate a significant increase in e-cigarette awareness and responsible consumption among smokers who have adopted vaping to quit traditional cigarettes.
These findings point to a promising future for New Zealand, with a significant segment of the population actively contributing to lower smoking rates and the country’s journey towards becoming smoke-free.
For more articles about statistics, explore topics like vape shop revenue, California vaping statistics, and the number of American vapers.
