Full Breakdown
Gisborne's Vape Sales Compliance Crackdown
3/27/2026, 8:26:17 PM
Overview of Compliance Failures
In June 2025, a compliance check in Gisborne revealed that one-third of local retailers failed to adhere to regulations concerning the sale of vaping products. Notable establishments that did not meet compliance included Friends Indian Takeaway & Dairy, Elgin Vape Shop, Grocery Hutt, Roebuck Road Superette and Takeaways, Bridge Store, and De Lautour Road Superette. Retailers cited various reasons for their failures, including a lack of staff training and misunderstanding of recent rule changes regarding disposable vapes.
Retailer Responses and Compliance Measures
Following the compliance failures, several retailers have taken steps to rectify their practices. Pushwinder Kaur from Friends Indian Takeaway & Dairy indicated that the failure was an isolated incident, stating they had since implemented stricter ID checks. Simranjid Singh, owner of Roebuck Road Superette, acknowledged the need for better staff training. Grocery Hutt's manager, Sidharth Chawla, mentioned that they had ceased vape sales but were considering applying for a license in the future. Meanwhile, Shao-Qing Li of Elgin Vape Shop expressed belief in a mistake regarding the compliance results but confirmed payment of fines.
Health Officials' Stance on Vaping
Douglas Lush, a medical officer of health in the region, emphasized the importance of compliance in preventing youth access to vaping products. He noted that disposable vapes, which were banned by the government in June 2024, posed significant health risks and environmental concerns. Lush stated, “Vaping has a small and declining role in helping long-term smokers kick smoking, but has no benefits for rangatahi who become rapidly addicted to the nicotine that is contained in the vapes.” The Tairawhiti region has appointed a permanent compliance officer to educate retailers about legislation and ensure adherence to the rules.
Community and Educational Concerns
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz expressed alarm over the compliance failures, particularly regarding youth access to vaping products. A 2024 survey by Action for Smokefree 2025 indicated that 21.9% of Year 10 students in Tairawhiti vaped daily, with a significant percentage being Maori. Stoltz highlighted the need for community involvement in protecting young people from harmful habits, stating, “Compliance and enforcement at the point of sale are matters for health agencies, but as a community we should all expect better when it comes to protecting young people.”
Local schools have also voiced concerns. Jonathan Poole, principal of Ilminster Intermediate, noted that children could easily access vapes, with flavors appealing to younger audiences. He remarked on the increasing prevalence of vaping among students, stating, “Kids are vaping at a very young age,” and attributed this to the addictive nature of the products.
Future Actions and Enforcement
The National Public Health Service has committed to ongoing investigations and education efforts, with plans to prosecute retailers who fail to comply with vaping regulations. Each infringement carries a fine of $2,000, and multiple offenses can result in cumulative penalties. As the community grapples with the implications of vaping among youth, the focus remains on enhancing compliance and protecting public health.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Vaping has a small and declining role in helping long-term smokers kick smoking, but has no benefits for rangitahi who become rapidly addicted to the nicotine that is contained in the vapes.” — Douglas Lush, Medical Officer of Health
- “Principal Jonathan Poole said it was concerning that children were able to get hold of vapes with “ease” and how the various flavours available appealed to young people.” — Jonathan Poole, Principal, Ilminster Intermediate
- “Compliance and enforcement at the point of sale are matters for health agencies, but as a community we should all expect better when it comes to protecting young people.” — Rehette Stoltz, Mayor of Gisborne
