No. Vaping indoors in New Zealand is prohibited under the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Act 2024, effective from 21 December 2024. The law aligns with the Smokefree Environments Act 1990, treating vaping as equivalent to smoking in enclosed public and workplaces. Exemptions exist only for designated vaping areas in adult-only venues, subject to strict ventilation and signage requirements. Local councils enforce breaches, with fines up to $500 for individuals and $1,000 for businesses.
Key Regulations for Vaping Indoors in New Zealand
- Enclosed Public Spaces: Vaping is banned in all indoor public areas, including bars, restaurants, and public transport, per Section 4A of the Smokefree Environments Act 1990. This includes shared indoor workplaces unless a separate, fully enclosed vaping room exists.
- Workplace Restrictions: Employers must ensure no vaping occurs in indoor work areas, with compliance audited by WorkSafe New Zealand under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015. Failure to enforce these rules may result in penalties.
- Designated Vaping Areas: Adult-only venues (e.g., vape shops) may permit vaping only in fully enclosed, ventilated rooms with clear signage and no shared airspace with non-vaping areas. The Ministry of Health’s 2024 guidelines mandate HEPA filtration and negative air pressure systems.