QUITTING SMOKING 
 

Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health, including reducing your risk of developing cancer.  There are a number of agencies and programmes which have been developed to support people in their effort to quit smoking, and resources which help answer some of the the questions you may have about quitting smoking.

 

1. Get a Quit Coach. Find out about face-to-face and telephone support to help you quit smoking. Whilst many people quit smoking without the need for intervention, success rates are significantly improved if smokers are provided with counselling and in some cases, nicotine replacement therapy (patches etc). People wishing to gain access to counselling and free nicotine replacement therapy can do so through a number of different agencies. 

• Quitline: The Quitline is a free quit smoking telephone help line. Callers can request a quit pack which has practical quit smoking advice and information, talk to a Quit Advisor for one-on-one support or get exchange cards for subsidised nicotine patches or gum where suitable. Call 0800 778 778 to speak to a Quit Adviser.
• Aukati Kai Paipa: The Aukati Kai Paipa cessation programme is run in around 37 sites around the country.  The programme, which primarily targets Maori women and their whanau, provides one-on-one counselling to help people quit smoking.  The programme has a high success rates and may be preferable to telephone counselling for some people.
• Text2Quit: Sign up for Txt2Quit and get TXT message support sent straight to your mobile.  Getting TXT messages can help keep your motivation up and give you some advice and support along the way as you quit. Text: QUIT to 3111.
• Other 'Face-to-Face' Services: There are lots of other face-to-face services you can choose from. Health clinics incl. PHOs can help smokers to quit. There are specialised services for Pacific and Asian smokers in some areas. To find out about your services contact your local Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) and / or your local Public Health Unit (PHU). 

2. Learn more. Use some of the resources on quitting smoking developed by various agencies to help you in your quit attempt. Browse websites and try some online activities