Education ministry figures reveal vaping and smoking is a bigger issue in primary schools than secondary schools in many parts of the motu.
Last year, more students in years 1 to 8 were stood down for vaping and smoking than those in years 9 to 13 in six out of 10 regions.
Principals say vapes are the issue - and it shouldn't be up to schools to deal with serious addiction.
Lauren Crimp reports.
