2FIRSTS | New Zealand Vape Company Alt Becomes Government Partner After Suing Over Nicotine Limits
New Zealand's Health NZ contracted Alt NZ Limited, a vape company that previously sued over nicotine limits, for a free vape kit program.Summary
Health NZ has partnered with Alt NZ Limited, a New Zealand-owned vape company, awarding it a NZD 500,000 contract in December 2025 for a free vape kit program aimed at helping smokers quit. This collaboration is notable as Alt NZ Limited previously engaged in five court actions against the Ministry of Health between 2023 and 2025, disputing regulations that lowered the maximum nicotine level in vaping products. Alt argued its best-selling products exceeded the proposed limit and that a significant portion of its revenue relied on higher-strength options. Despite these legal battles, Health NZ stated the procurement process was open and focused on compliant devices, rendering the prior disputes irrelevant. The program utilizes nicotine strengths aligned with government regulations, starting at 28.5 mg/mL and gradually reducing intake, and has already distributed over 7,000 kits.
(Source：2Firsts)
