Some members of our Community have expressed strong objection to the proposed Specialist Vape Store located at 6 Taurima Street, Hataitai. This guide has been created to assist those who wish to make a complaint about this store.
Local legend Gordon Douglas, ex-Regulatory officer, has contacts in the Police and Manatū Ora (MOH), and has done some research for the Community.
Here's the process to provide your feedback about the proposed SVR (Specialist Vape Retailer) at 6 Taurima Street.
Visit: https://vaping.harp.health.nz/submissions/new
· Pick a form: Select complaint - if you wish to make a complaint.
· Complaint Details: Vaping
· About You: can be anonymous
· Your Complaint:
o Business Name : (leave blank)
o Business Address: 6 Taurima Street, Hataitai, Wellington
o Business Website: (leave blank)
o Complaints Details: (Cut and paste this copy, or type in as you wish)
I understand an application is being made for a Specialist Vape Retailer (SVR) to open on Taurima Street, Hataitai. The premises are only 20 metres from Hataitai Kindergarten and on the main pedestrian access to the Mount Victoria tunnel, which is used by a great number of students from all schools in the Eastern Suburbs including Rongotai College, St Patrick’s College, Scots College, St Catherine’s College, Wellington East Girl’s College, Wellington College, Wellington High School, St Mark’s School, Hataitai School and Kilbirnie School.
I understand the rule is a SVR can't be within 300m of a school, and technically Hataitai Kindergarten isn’t a school, BUT, we have advice that as it is a Ministry of Education licenced early years service, there is a case to be made.
I assume the purpose of the 300m rule is so vapes are both less accessible to rangatahi, and to ensure they are not marketed to. Both of those arguments apply in this situation, as it would be along one of the only routes our rangatahi take to get to school as well as to Hataitai Park (where regular youth sporting activities take place). I am particularly interested in the well-being of my community and thoroughly disagree with making harmful substances easier to access and more visible to the general public. I strongly believe this vape shop should not be present (at all, but especially not in its proposed location). Vapes are already available (discreetly) from other shops in Hataitai Village, so a new outlet is not needed.
o Date of Occurrence: (Todays date)
· Submit!