ASPIRE Aotearoa has received a second Health Research Council (HRC) programme grant to extend its work on smokefree policies and nicotine products.
Janet Hoek
Anaru Waa
Co-directors Anaru Waa, Janet Hoek and Richard Edwards of the University of Otago, Wellington’s Department of Public Health are delighted the funding will enable the group to continue evaluating whether the measures taken to achieve the Smokefree 2025 goal, including the commitment to reduce tobacco availability to minimal levels, are effective for all population groups.
Associate Professor Waa says the programme will highlight Māori research and researchers.
“Our programme, Te Tupu o te Harakeke, creates new opportunities to undertake work of direct relevance to Māori while at the same time offering leadership roles to emerging and developing Māori researchers,” he says.
The co-directors believe it is important to gain new insights into a rapidly changing nicotine marketplace.
Richard Edwards
Professor Edwards says the new Government has proposed introducing oral tobacco products, such as nicotine pouches, even though there is no robust evidence these products help people who smoke stop smoking.
“Unfortunately, several studies have found the marketing for these products appeals strongly to young people. Our programme will examine whether, like vapes, oral nicotine products are quickly adopted by young people; we will also assess whether they help reduce smoking prevalence,” he says.
As Aotearoa takes a new approach to achieving the Smokefree 2025 goal, it is crucial to ensure high compliance with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which requires signatories (including Aotearoa New Zealand) to exclude tobacco companies from policy making.
Professor Hoek says they are pleased the HRC funding will allow them to “increase our scrutiny of tobacco companies, the relationships they have with politicians, and the arguments they use to stymie evidence-based policy”.
University of Otago Wellington Dean, Professor William Levack, says the funding recognises the excellent work the ASPIRE Aotearoa Centre has undertaken over the last 12 years.
“Despite considerable pushback from vested interests, ASPIRE researchers have courageously asked difficult questions, documented high quality evidence, and informed global policy making,” he says.
“I am delighted the group will be able to expand its work and congratulate members on their many achievements.”