One-third of stores tested broke law

Approximately one-third of vape stores in Gisborne, New Zealand, failed compliance checks last year, according to data released by Health New Zealand.

Gisborne Vape Store Compliance Results

Of the 18 stores subject to controlled purchase operations (CPO) between February 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026, four failed for selling to minors and three failed for other violations, including the sale of disposable vapes. The results were revealed in response to a request made under the Official Information Act.

The data indicated that all 18 controlled purchase operations took place in June of last year. The specific reasons for each store’s failure were not detailed, and some retailers failed more than once.

Stores That Failed Compliance Checks

The following Gisborne retailers failed a vape-related CPO in June 2025:

• Friends Indian Takeaway & Dairy (61 Gladstone Rd)
• Elgin Vape Shop (signposted as Elgin Dairy, 683 Childers Rd)
• Grocery Hutt (384 Palmerston Rd)
• Roebuck Road Superette and Takeaways (141A Roebuck Rd)
• Bridge Store (19 Roebuck Rd)
• De Lautour Road Superette (92a De Lautour Rd)

Pushwinder Kaur of Friends Indian Takeaways and Dairy stated that the compliance failure was an isolated incident, and that they now verify identification for anyone appearing under the age of 25. Simranjid Singh, owner of Roebuck Rd Superette and Takeaways and De Lautour Rd Superette, attributed the failures at both stores to insufficient staff training regarding the rules surrounding disposable vape sales.

Both Singh and Kaur stated they do not sell fruity flavored vape products. Sidharth Chawla, manager of Grocery Hutt, said the store no longer sells vapes but may apply for a license in the future. Shao-Qing Li, owner of Elgin Vape shop, expressed a belief that there was an error in the CPO results but had paid the fines.

Increased Enforcement and Public Health Concerns

Douglas Lush, a medical officer of health in the region, noted that vapes are available at 84 locations within Gisborne city, not just dedicated vape stores. He explained that stores can be targeted for CPOs based on public concerns or suspicion. Tairāwhiti now has a permanent compliance officer dedicated to educating suppliers and ensuring adherence to regulations.

Lush stated that the government banned disposable vapes on June 17 last year due to their affordability and negative environmental impact. He added that while vaping may have a limited role in helping long-term smokers quit, it offers no benefits to young people who quickly become addicted to nicotine.

Retailers face an infringement fine of $2000 for each offense, and can be fined multiple times.

Mayor and School Responses

Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz expressed concern over the compliance failures, particularly regarding potential access to vaping products by young people. The council updated its smoke-free and vape-free policy last July to include vaping and the city center, citing a 2024 survey showing that 21.9% of Year 10 students in Tairāwhiti vaped daily, with 63% of those identifying as Māori.

Jonathan Poole, principal of Ilminster Intermediate, which is near De Lautour Road Superette, expressed concern over the ease with which children can obtain vapes and the appeal of flavored products. He noted an increase in vaping last year, but believes the school is currently managing the issue effectively. He also stated that vaping is occurring among students at a very young age, with some children citing the flavors as a reason for vaping, describing them as “like a lolly.”