Local centres:
Smokefree
Smoking significantly affects health and has been shown to be implicated in over 5000 deaths in New Zealand each year. In a recent survey of year 10 students in Northland it was shown that 15 % of those surveyed are regular smokers.
The Cancer Society's major health promotion focus is to support our Northland youth to remain smokefree. To achieve this we have been involved in the following programmes:
Ban Tobacco Displays
By working with retailers and lobbying members of Parliament it is our aim to remove all tobacco products from behind counters at service stations, supermarkets and other food outlets. It has been shown that by doing this the number of young people that smoke can be reduced. It also has a beneficial impact on tobacco purchase by adults who are attempting to quit.
In June 2010 there are 12 stores across Northland who have put tobacco under cover and a further 6 stores who have totally stopped selling tobacco products.
Smokefree Environments
Children copy what they see. This is the message behind the Cancer Society campaign to have all parks, playground and sports grounds Smokefree. Current achievements to date include:
- WHANGAREI MULTI EVENTS CENTRE, is now a Smokefree stadium and grounds
- KAIPARA DISTRICT COUNCIL has introduced a policy that makes all council playgrounds that include a children's play area Smokefree
- WHANGAREI DISTRICT COUNCIL has introduced an educative Smokefree policy for Whangarei district parks, playgrounds and sports parks.
The Cancer Society would appreciate any member of the community adding their voice to lobbying for Smokefree public spaces. For information on how you might be able to do this please phone Daffodil House on 09 437 5593 or toll free 0800 366 066.
SMOKEFREE PARTNERS - Northland District Health Board Public Health Unit, Northland Primary Health Organisations, Kaipara Health Trust, Northland Iwi Providers, Northland Schools, Patu Puauahi and ASH.
