Maori public health organisation Hapai Te Hauora has hit back at criticism of vaping as a smoking cessation tool written by a Whanganui Chronicle opinion contributor.
Hāpai Te Hauora General Manager of Tobacco Control, Mihi Blair, said community members and the smoke-free sector are calling into question the article by opinion writer Jay Kuten for giving what they claim was a misleading and misguided stance on vaping.
"The writer draws a long bow in suggesting that Ministry of Health vaping recommendations should be called into question because they accept feedback from quality vape vendors on their expert panel," Blair said.
She voiced concern at claims of the risks of using "false claims", "deceptive practice" and "opinions of those with vested interests in vaping".
![Mihi Blair Photo / file](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/YTGYXPQKUB7JIKVCSSQWPMZYWY.jpg?auth=0b85284ab7756827b22fb36806270097a29fe3f1bb412bb75b2fdd2873dde37b&width=16&height=12&quality=70&smart=true)