Whanganui District Council believe they're one of the first councils in the country to take a firm stance against vaping with their new smoke-free policy.

They're encouraging people not to use e-cigarettes outside of entrances and exits of public buildings.

Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall said it's not a bylaw but an educational policy that'll hopefully lead to reduced smoking and vaping all together.

He said a doctor presented to the council in the submissions stage, and highlighted many health risks of vaping.

"Drawing hot stuff into your mouth is never, ever good. Oral cancers will start rising and it actually normalises the idea of smoking."

McDouall said he knows who vape companies are targeting, and it makes his skin crawl.

"When you hear some of the flavours that are being offered they are like strawberry and cherry. They are very, very clearly and quite cynically I believe marketing and targeting at young people with those kinds of sweet flavours."