Political Comment

From Policy to Addiction: How Government Decisions Hooked a New Generation

Sue Freeman RN, QuitCoach

Published on: 06/11/2025

Exposing how Big Tobacco hooked a new generation through vaping, despite NZ's declining cigarette sales. Learn why e-cigarettes aren't the 'safe alternative' they claim, how industry profits from addiction, and what real nicotine freedom looks like.

youth vaping, government policy, nicotine addiction, tobacco industry tactics, vaping epidemic, public health, addiction recovery, systemic harm, advocacy, smoking prevention, vaping risks, policy failure, health equity, addiction awareness, recovery barriers, ethical care, quit smoking support, vaping manipulation, youth health crisis, nicotine dependence

NZ’s 2025 Smokefree Vision Undone

Sue Freeman RN, QuitCoach

Published on: 06/11/2025

A powerful reflection on how New Zealand’s world-leading Smokefree 2025 vision was dismantled — and what that means for Māori health equity, addiction recovery, and the fight against Big Tobacco. Quit Coach Sue unpacks the real cost of this policy reversal and calls for a future rooted in truth, justice, and whānau wellbeing.

Smokefree New Zealand, Big Tobacco accountability, tobacco harm reduction, nicotine addiction recovery, tobacco control policy, vaping dangers, Māori health equity, tobacco-related deaths, second-hand smoke risks, youth vaping crisis, shame and stigma of smoking, slow-motion suicide, tobacco industry tactics, personal choice myth, lifestyle manipulation, third-hand smoke exposure, social justice in public health, reclaiming wellbeing, Quit Coach Sue, experiential recovery support