New Zealand’s progress toward its Smokefree 2025 goal has slowed, with the latest New Zealand Health Survey revealing daily smoking rates have plateaued at 6.8 percent in the year to July 2025. The figure represents only a slight drop from 6.9 percent the previous year, raising concerns about whether the country can still reduce smoking prevalence to under 5 percent by next year.
While smoking has stalled, daily vaping continues to rise, increasing from 11.1 percent to 11.7 percent over the past year. An estimated 509,000 New Zealanders now vape daily, a dramatic rise from just 33,000 a decade ago. Vaping remains most common among 18 to 24-year-olds, with more than one in four using e-cigarettes every day. Despite slower progress recently, daily smoking numbers have still halved since 2011/12, falling from 572,000 to 294,000.
Concerns Over Smokefree 2025
Advocacy group Vape Free Kids says the latest data shows New Zealand is falling short. They estimate 82,000 smokers would have needed to quit in the past year to meet the Smokefree target—far more than observed. However, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) disagree, noting the figures only reflect data up to June 2025. ASH’s Ruth Bonita says the goal is still achievable, pointing out that smoking rates among under-25s sit at just around 3 percent, effectively creating a “smoke-free generation.”
Why Progress Is Slowing
Experts say the slowdown is predictable as smoking rates decline. Remaining smokers tend to be older, long-term users, particularly those aged 45 to 64. Costello says Māori and Pacific peoples continue to be priority groups for tailored cessation support.
Youth Vaping on the Rise
Youth vaping remains a major concern, with daily use among 15 to 17-year-olds rising from 10.3 to 13.6 percent, meaning thousands more teens are now vaping daily.
The Path Ahead
Whether New Zealand reaches its Smokefree 2025 goal will depend on reaching long-term smokers—while simultaneously curbing rapid growth in youth vaping.
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What was the daily smoking rate in New Zealand in the year to July 2025?
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Fact Check Summary
True, as mentioned in the article.
Source: Article
False, as daily vaping rates have increased from 11.1% to 11.7%.
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