Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

The More Things Change The More They Stay The Same: Aotearoa Is Going Backwards With The Somefree Act Repeal

Three Hutt teenagers are calling on the government to reinstate the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act. They wrote to politicians and when this got np traction they started a petition and made posters to promote their campaign.

They met with people from the District Health Board and found that their poster idea was not new. In Te Reo Marama launched a campaign calling for banning cigarettes calling them Maori Killers. “Nothing has changed and it seems like the government doesn't care,” says musketeer Tyrei Berney

The three young people who make up The Musketeers are Tyrei Berny, Isla Cleall-Harding and Cam MacAulay. They are launching their campaign to reinstate Aotearoa’s world-leading smoke-free legislation, to save lives and spread awareness of the impact of cigarettes.

“We had a law that was going to change things for our generation and we are wondering why the Government would undo this good work,” says Musketeer Cam Macaulay.

“A plan was in place to eliminate inequities, create a smoke-free generation and increase the number of people who successfully quit smoking – the evidence is clear, cigarettes kill,” says Musketeer Isla Cleall-Harding.

“Aotearoa is known for unity and outside-the-box thinking - this reversal makes us look foolish and even makes our country look like it has commitment issues” says Musketeer Tyrei Berney.

“Being whakapapa Māori from Ngāti Kahungunu, as an iwi member I am unsure why the act has been repealed. There is proof that the smoke-free initiative was saving lives, with the drop in smoking rates being over 10% for Māori.- says Musketeer Tyrei Berney

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

We don’t understand why the Government decided to repeal legislation which saved lives and even though we are not able to vote yet, we can use our voices.

“Join us in our campaign to overturn this appalling Government decision by signing our petition,” says the Musketeers.

1st poster: Te Reo Marama
2nd poster: The Musketeers - Isla Cleall-Harding and Cam MacAulay

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.