Māori Health Leaders Push Back as Vaping Harm Among Rangatahi Escalates
Māori health leaders are concerned about rising vaping rates among young people and advocate for culturally grounded solutions.Summary
Māori health organizations are expressing urgent concerns over increasing vaping-related harm among rangatahi (Māori youth) in Aotearoa (New Zealand). The Ati Awa Toa Hauora Partnership Board argues that distributing vaping products through stop-smoking services is inconsistent with Māori values (tikanga) and family wellbeing, potentially substituting one addiction for another. Leaders emphasize the need for Māori-led solutions based on traditional knowledge (mātauranga) and family-centered care, rather than industry-driven harm reduction strategies. Researchers highlight that rangatahi Māori are disproportionately targeted by marketing, experience high vaping prevalence in schools, and face inconsistent regulation. Advocates are calling for stronger protections for children, increased autonomy for healthcare providers, and a revised national stop-smoking strategy developed in collaboration with iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes).
(Source：Waatea News)
