MEDIA RELEASE, May 31, 2000
Hutt Valley Health Smokefree Policy Applauded
Health Minister Annette King today applauded Hutt Valley Health’s implementation of its new smokefree policy on World
Smokefree Day.
“Hutt Valley Health has fully implemented its smokefree policy, developed in consultation with staff and unions," she
said. “This means that from today staff and visitors will not be permitted to smoke in HVH buildings or grounds, except
in two nominated areas, and that staff must not smoke off campus when on HVH-related business or when wearing HVH
identification.”
Mrs King said that in addition to smoking restrictions, Hutt Valley Health was making available to staff free smoking
cessation courses, free nicotine replacement therapy, free acupuncture and hypnotherapy and counselling until the end of
December.
“I congratulate Hutt Valley Health on its responsible attitude to discouraging smoking and for setting an example to the
community, and strongly urge other employers to do likewise. I am particularly pleased the policy is being implemented
fully today to draw more attention to World Smokefree Day."
In other World Smokefree Day events today, Mrs King will late this afternoon meet young people who have been involved in
two anti-smoking campaigns.
Students who attended a hui on youth smoking at Piritahi Marae on Waiheke Island on May 4 and 5 will present her with
findings from the hui, and two Feilding Agricultural College students, Glenn Thomson and Nick Ferguson, will play her
their winning radio commercial from a national World Smokefree Day competition for third and fourth formers.
ENDS