13 December 2018

Fush eatery in Wigram is the latest venue to go smokefree as part of the Fresh Air Project, a collaboration between the Cancer Society and the Canterbury District Health Board, along with support from the Christchurch City Council.

The Fresh Air Project supports the goal of Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 to reduce smoking levels across New Zealand. A recent survey from the Cancer Society shows that 95 per cent of consumers support smokefree outdoor dining.

Co-owner of Fush, Anton Matthews, is well known around town for his passion for conserving the Māori language. He offers customers a menu in both te reo and English, and also runs te reo classes.

Now he’s got his sights on protecting the health of Māori by joining the Fresh Air Project.

“Fush is embracing auahi kore (smokefree) dining to protect our staff and customers from the dangers of secondhand smoke, and to set a good example for tamariki and the broader community,” says Anton.

Anton is hoping to encourage his customers to embrace the social aspect of sharing and enjoying kai. He also wants to offer support for customers who are wanting to go smokefree.

“Going auahi kore (smokefree) is about looking after future generations. I want my customers to know there’s nothing positive about smoking – no social benefits, it hurts you in the pocket, and it’s bad for your health,” says Anton.

“We’re thrilled to have Fush come on board as a Fresh Air venue and to be part of the conversation with the Māori community in Christchurch about what it means to go smokefree,” says Cancer Society spokesperson, Amanda Dodd.

According to the Health Promotion Agency, Māori have higher smoking rates and higher rates of death and tobacco-related illness than non-Māori.

• The smoking rate for Māori adults is 35%.

• Māori men – 32%, Māori women – 38%.

• Māori are 2.6 times more likely to be smokers than non-Māori.

• Māori smokers are the youngest to start smoking, at just over 14-years-old on average.

“We know going smokefree is hard to achieve without the right support,” says Canterbury DHB spokesperson Lee Tuki. “Do it as a whānau and with support from Te Hā – Waitaha Stop Smoking Canterbury.”

For support, visit www.stopsmokingcanterbury.org.nz or phone Te Hā – Waitaha Stop Smoking Canterbury on 0800 425 700.

Fush is one of 60 hospitality venues across Canterbury making their outdoor dining areas cleaner, greener and more pleasant environments. To find a Fresh Air venue near you, visit www.freshairproject.org.nz.

The Fush whānau share their reasons for going auahi kore here: https://vimeo.com/295082687.

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