World Smokefree Day - 31 May - Empowering Whānau to Quit Smoking
The Government has goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa by 2025 meaning that less than five per cent of New Zealanders will
smoke and tobacco will be difficult to sell and supply.
World Smokefree Day, a global event celebrated on 31 May every year is a perfect opportunity to work together to achieve
this. It is a time to encourage more people to quit smoking by raising awareness of how people can become Smokefree and
the support that is available to them.
“We know that quitting smoking isn’t easy, it takes courage to do it but the benefits of not being a smoker and leading
a healthy life make it all worthwhile – it’s about empowering people for their own futures”, says Joanne Lee, Health
Promotion Advisor from the Southern District Health Board.
The Census 2013 data results show that smoking rates in New Zealand have dropped, going from 20.7 per cent in 2006 down
to 15.1 per cent in 2013. “It is great to see positive outcomes from the work we do; that more New Zealanders are
enjoying tobacco free lives,” adds Joanne.
Some people quit with a friend whilst others know their whānau are in their corner cheering them on. You don’t have to
do it all alone - surround yourself with people who respect your decision to quit smoking. Make your home and car
Smokefree and ask people not to smoke around children.
Joanne also says “It is important for people to realise if they haven’t been able to quit, that it’s not a failure and
not to give up – it’s all part of the journey. For some people it can take more than one attempt to give up smoking. The
fact that they have taken the steps to quit smoking is a positive start and we encourage people to use all the tools and
support available as much as possible”.
Take up the challenge and take a step towards a Smokefree Aotearoa and give quitting a go on 31 May, World Smokefree
Day. Quit Now – It’s About Whānau.
ENDS