Smokefree - Auahi Kore

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Smoking causes the deaths of approximately 4700 New Zealanders every year and has been identified as this country’s most preventable cause of injury and death.  Illness caused by exposure to second-hand smoke also claims between 350 and 500 lives in New Zealand every year.  Maori have disproportionately high rates of smoking compared to non Maori with one third of all Maori deaths being tobacco related. New Zealand evidence also shows that adults in lower socio-economic groups have higher smoking rates regardless of ethnic or gender distinction. Inequalities remain a key focus area due to the higher smoking rates and smoking related illness found amongst populations with low socio-economic status.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smokefree/Auahi Kore Health Promotion
Smokefree/auahi kore health promoters focus on Maori, Pacific Islanders and populations with low socio-economic status as these groups have high rates of tobacco use.  Smokefree interventions aim to reduce the impact and incidence of tobacco related harm by:

  • Reducing exposure to second hand smoke
  • Reducing smoking initiation
  • Increasing the number of smokefree environments

Specific auahi kore health promoters are located in Public Health South’s Dunedin and Invercargill offices and work with local Maori communities (in conjunction with the other health promoters) to encourage and support auahi kore lifestyles Traditionally Maori were an auahi kore/smokefree culture. The Auahi Kore programme works to change attitudes towards smoking, encouraging Maori to either stop smoking or not to start and to reclaim their auahi kore status.

Projects

Smoking Affects Lives Exhibition
PHS staff in Southland recently put together a photo exhibition entitled Smoking Affects Lives, focusing on the stories of smokers. While the initial goal of the exhibition was to highlight the debate surrounding the banning of tobacco displays, the exhibition became a project to encourage smokers to give quitting a go.

Case Study: Smoking Affects Lives Exhibition

Smokefree Cars and Homes
The purpose of this project is to increase the proportion of cars and homes that are smokefree. The project focuses on high need areas with high smoking rates and high Maori population. The projects are delivered in primary schools and through the local car dealership.

Auahi Kore Heroes
The goal of this on-going project is to highlight our Maori smokefree champions within our local communities and to thank them and acknowledge the importance of setting an example of being Auahi Kore for young Maori.  These ‘heroes’ are from local runanga and other Maori settings.

World Smokefree Day
This is an annual project that captures and highlights the current tobacco control issues and projects. It provides an opportunity to engage with media to get the issues in the spotlight and is supported by local smokefree coalitions – Smokefree Murihiku and the Otago Smokefree Group.

Smokefree Outdoor Public Places
This project is about normalising auahi kore/smokefree in our public areas such as parks, playgrounds and sports grounds. Key partners in this project are members of local smokefree groups and local bodies. 

Smokefree Environments Act 1990
The purpose of the Smokefree Environments Act and following amendments is to:

  • Protect the health of workers and the public from second hand smoke
  • Reduce the harm caused to individuals by their smoking
  • Restrict access to smoking products by people under 18 years, and prevent negative influences on young people
  • Promote an auahi kore/smokefree lifestyle as being both desirable and the norm
  • Regulate the marketing, advertising and promotion of tobacco products, services or events.

The Smokefree Environments Act and following amendments requires that:

  • the buildings and grounds of schools and early childhood centres are smokefree
  • licensed premises (bars, restaurants, cafes, sports clubs, casinos) are smokefree indoors
  • workplaces are smokefree indoors  – including offices, factories, warehouses, work canteens and ‘smoko’ rooms
  • the display of tobacco products in retail outlets is restricted
  • herbal smoking products are included in smoking bans
  • the access of those under 18 years of age to smoking products is prohibited.

Public Health South employ designated Smokefree Officers to enforce the Smokefree Environments Act.  Smokefree Officers respond to complaints from the public regarding:

  • The sale of tobacco to people under 18 years
  • Smoking inside a workplace
  • Smoking inside licensed premises
  • Advertising tobacco products or brands

Making a complaint
It is important that the above breaches of Smokefree law are reported by the public as this ensures the law is working to reduce tobacco-related harm in Otago and Southland.  

Making a complaint

Support to Quit
Quitting smoking can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you are thinking about quitting, are working to become a non-smoker, or you have relapsed - you will find support and information through the Quitline.
Phone 0800 778 778 if you would like to speak to a Quitline Advisor. The Quitline offers free telephone support, resources and low cost nicotine patches, gum and lozenges to New Zealand residents.  You can also sign up online at www.quit.org.nz and join the online quit community. 
The Smokefree Contacts Map may also have information about local cessation providers.


Related links

Links to national campaigns

 

   
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