Nicotine alternatives used in some vapes may be more potent and addictive than nicotine itself.
Associate Health Minister Casey Costello denies the tobacco industry influenced her decision.
It comes as New Zealand mothers pleaded with the Government to ban the sale of vapes in stores such as dairies.
"It's going to do little to change the entrenched addiction that we already have in our youth."
Shocking new statistics reveal how many Year 7 and 8 students are vaping.
Vape Free Kids New Zealand has been trying since December to have talks with Casey Costello.
"Unfortunately that's not a one-off. We get referrals for a lot of kids who are getting vapes."
One in five high school students now regularly vape.
It comes as the first guidelines to support Kiwi youth to quit vaping will be released later on Friday.
