› World Smokefree Day

7 June 2022

Smokefree May has now come to an end after a variety of activities in Canterbury. The Canterbury DHB Smokefree team set up two stalls at Christchurch Hospital and another at Burwood Hospital on World Smokefree Day, 31 May. Smokefree resources, a quiz and prizes were used to engage with staff and visitors. Another member of the Te Hā - Waitaha Smokefree Support team headed over to the Nga Hau E Wha National Marae and co-located with the visiting Breast Screening service. Wāhine who were there for screening had a bonus korero about the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 and received some Smokefree goodies! Of particular interest, were views at Christchurch Hospital around reducing tobacco availability and density – this is one of the actions in the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Action Plan - Auahi Kore Aotearoa Mahere Rautaki 2025.

With nearly four times more retailers in low-income communities, those trying to quit are faced with this highly addictive product at every turn. Changing the law to reduce the number of authorised retailers across Aotearoa to 500 and to no longer be concentrated in our most deprived neighbourhoods will be game changing. Of the 93 people surveyed – 90 supported this significant decrease, three were not in support. Canterbury DHB welcomes the opportunity to make a submission on this amendment to the Smokefree Environments Act 1990 when it is introduced to Parliament later in June. Individuals and other groups are also encouraged to do so. For any support, please contact smokefree@cdhb.health.nz.

From left, Clinical Nurse Educator Rebecca Bell and Te Hā - Waitaha Smokefree Support Programme Lead Christchurch Hospital Maraea Peawini at an information stand at the hospital for World Smokefree Day