World

New Zealand – a World Leader in Vaping Legislation

Published

4 years ago

September 23, 2020

New Zealand’s Ministry of Health and other organisations are striving to reduce the number of New Zealanders who take up smoking, and they are actively encouraging existing smokers to quit. One way many people are succeeding in their quest to quit is via a transition to vaping.

For smokers who are committed to quitting, visiting a reputable NZ vape shop to source nicotine-based smoking products is the first step in their journey to better health and a smoke-free future.

Smoking in NZ

Rates of smoking in NZ dropped from 25% to 12% between 1997 and 2018. While there are still almost half a million adult smokers in NZ, double that number have quit. Yet 15% of young adults aged 18-24 still smoke, as do 31% of Maori adults (this is particularly concerning as Maori traditionally did not smoke, and they suffer the health consequences of smoking more than other population groups) and 21% of Pacific Islanders. Men are more inclined to smoke than women, and people aged between 35-44 are most likely to be smokers.

Vaping

A vape is an alternative to cigarette smoking. It is an electronic device which heats a liquid to a vapour or aerosol. The user inhales this vapour. It requires no burning of tobacco – which is the most physically harmful (and socially unacceptable) aspect of cigarette smoking.

Vaping delivers nicotine in a less harmful way than cigarettes. It is not completely harmless – but it is a significantly safer alternative than smoking. Vapers also have the option of selecting the strength of nicotine in their vape – enabling gradual weaning from nicotine itself and also from the physical and psychological habit of smoking itself.

While it is not intended for use by non-smokers, vaping has the potential to effectively help smokers quit their habit.

Vaping Legislation in NZ

New Zealand now leads the world in vaping legislation. On August 6, 2020, landmark legislation passed in The Smoke-free Environments and Regulated Products (Vaping) Amendment Bill.

This Bill addresses concern within the community about the use and accessibility of vaping products, which are strictly regulated or even banned in many other countries worldwide. This new legislation strikes a sensible and effective balance between providing access to vaping as a regulated alternative to smoking cigarettes for existing smokers, while actively discouraging its use by children and teenagers.

It is an offence to sell nicotine or vaping products to any person under the age of eighteen years.

The New Zealand government has placed itself as a world leader in recognising the need for adult smokers to have access to not only information and advice, but also to viable alternatives to cigarette smoking.

Vapespot is the leading online Pod Based vape shop in NZ. Founder “Sunny” states, “Vapespot is the easiest way to “switch it up”. We provide a curated selection of nicotine-based products to support a person’s lifestyle and commitment to stop smoking cigarettes. We make it easy to reduce the reliance on cigarettes and ultimately quit smoking altogether”.

Smoking compromises health, shortens lifespans, and costs individuals, families, and communities money. Smoking also harms the environment – 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are discarded onto the ground and into our waterways globally every year.

Quitting is hard. For many people seeking to quit smoking, transitioning to vaping is an important and effective first step. New Zealanders now have this option at their fingertips.

World

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

6 days ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.