An Auckland University researcher has raised concerns over the nation's vaping rates.

OECD data shows New Zealand has the second-highest number of people aged 15 or over vaping regularly, just behind Estonia.

More than 8 percent of those in that age group regularly vape in New Zealand, with higher rates among teens.

Researcher Kelly Burrowes says a high percentage of Kiwi teens have been drawn to vaping, surging ahead of other nations.

"18 percent of that age group are regular vapers- that is a lot higher than in the UK or Australia, where it's only around 5 or 8 percent."

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