‘Dear Retailer – We Want to Live Longer’

Saturday, 11 September 2010, 12:22 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

‘Dear Retailer – We Want to Live Longer’

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated represents the people of Ngāti Kahungunu, the third largest Iwi population in the country. Our mission is to enhance the mana and well being of whānau, hapū, iwi.

Tobacco use is responsible for the death of over 5000 New Zealanders, of which 600 are Māori. Smoking causes poor health including whānau that are exposed to second hand smoke. As a response to this Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated has adopted a Ngāti Kahungunu Tobacco Use Strategy because we want to live longer. We want our people to enjoy 15 more years of life as they still have so much to give to their families and communities.

Tobacco displays attract new smokers, maintain current smokers and entice former smokers to light up again. These displays are a vehicle for marketing tobacco to young developing minds as well.

‘Dear Retailer, we want to live longer’ so we urge you to consider removing retail tobacco displays and the sale of tobacco completely. This request is vital for increasing Māori longevity. We extend this invitation to all tobacco retail outlets, petrol stations and corner dairies within the Kahungunu region from Wairoa to Wairarapa. Be responsible and stand up.

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated would like to acknowledge retailers that have either removed tobacco from public view or from their stores. We will provide you with a ‘Kahungunu Tobacco Free Certificate of Acknowledgement’ to display in your store.

Ultimately, we are calling on you the retailer, and tobacco suppliers to our communities within the iwi region, to make a positive contribution by removing tobacco from your store.

ENDS

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