In a massive win for the nicotine-addicted, vaping restrictions introduced by the previous Labour government have been rolled back by the current coalition government, just over a month since they kicked in. Mason Corporation, who own the vape shop Shosha, challenged the court to lift the ban on vapes with non-removable batteries. Now, by September 1st, vaping devices with non-removable batteries will be officially permitted.
In a Stuff article, Health Minister Casey Costello denied giving in to vaping companies, explaining this change was due to a technical issue and it will not impact vaping prevalence.
On the 17th of June there was a total ban of disposable vapes, including vaping devices with non-removable batteries, based on health concerns over a couple cases of the batteries melting and exploding, causing injuries to their users. By banning non-removable batteries, they would be acting in the interest of public safety and reduce the risks.
Med student Harry reckons the coalition is a bit of a softie for caving to corporate interests. Giving Mason Corporation the power to alter and rollback on certain regulations despite their obvious bias for profit “is just stupid”, in his opinion. Although, Harry can’t yet get behind vaping as a practice because “vapers don’t do enough fuckin’ dragons and ring tricks”, so he’s happy disposable vapes remain banned. But really, he thinks, the restriction didn’t do much considering a reusable vape can still be bought for roughly the same price, and now there’s only more availability for younger people with the recent rollback.
Two theology students, Rylan and Wilson, gave their two cents, expressing similar concerns. “Money is always going to be a priority over health and safety for those corporations,” Rylan states, “and that’s a major red flag in itself.” He concluded that he’s less concerned with the science of vaping at that point when the rollback “says a lot more about the intentions of the Government and these companies,” as he put it.
Rylan claims to have seen lines outside Mosgiel vape stores in the early mornings as the local fiends would await their daily dosage. “It’s proper bad,” he said, voicing his concern that young people are being taken advantage of by these major industries.
Wilson wondered if the allowance of vapes with non-removable batteries is more a money-making scheme than anything. If someone damages their vape in any way, they’re forced to buy a new one entirely, rather than the separate parts. He admitted he wasn’t an expert on the subject (“I mean maybe, I don’t know”) but continued, “If people really want to vape they’ll do it anyways, even if it costs a bit more.” We all know a serial vaper who has gone to disturbing lengths to have a vape in their hands.
Before you get all excited that the beloved kakariki takitahi (RIP) might be making a return, don’t get your hopes up. The Government has held strong on their total ban of disposable vaping products – yes, that includes mint solos. But with Mason Corp’s win for vaping devices with non-removable batteries, students suffering mintless missions to Night ‘n Day would be forgiven for having hope of their return.