Rotorua youth get creative juices flowing

Rotorua youth get creative juices flowing for World Smokefree Day

Fifteen schools in the Lakes region have been invited by local health organisations to take part in a creative competition to celebrate World Smokefree Day 31 May 2006.

The theme for World Smokefree Day is for parents and caregivers not to smoke around young people at any time and Toi Te Ora Public Health, Cancer Society, Korowai Aroha, Te Whare Hauora O Ngongataha, Tipu Ora Trust, Heart Foundation and Te Papatakaro O Te Arawa are 100% behind it.

Intermediate school and high school students have been asked to develop a 30 second jingle and/or create a banner with a smokefree message.

Toi Te Ora – Public Health Health Promoter Kathy Webster says research has found that young people are more than twice as likely to start smoking if a parent smokes.
(Tobacco Contol 1998;7:268-275)

“Many smokers have now taken the big step of smoking outside to protect children from second hand smoke, which is a really positive start,” she says. “We would like parents and caregivers to take this one step further and think about the influence that adult smoking has on young people.”

Each school can submit as many banners and jingles as they wish. People can vote for their favourite banner at City Focus (Rotorua) on 31 May 2006, between 1pm-4pm. The banner winners will be announced at 4:30pm. Jingles will be judged by a local musician, with the winning jingle being played at City Focus.

“Each student will receive a certificate of participation, stickers and a bookmark,” says Kathy Webster. “We also have prizes for the overall winning banner and overall winning jingle, as well as a People’s Choice award in both categories.”

New Zealand’s national Quitline, 0800 778 778, offers free advice, support and low cost nicotine patches and gum. For local cessation providers contact 07 3574946 or 07 3488 454.

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