Single Cigarettes Rally
“Stopping our future generations from becoming a generation of smokers” is what motivates Anya Tamihana – Simich, Tayla
Jones and Charlotte Mihaere . “It’s very disappointing to know that throughout Auckland and probably New Zealand, young
people have access to single cigarettes says Anya.
These young woman have formed the Tupeka Kore Action Group (tobacco free action group) which differs from other
anti-tobacco groups as it is made up of mostly current and ex-smokers. Sometimes referred to as a ‘consumer group’, the
TAG knows only too well the consequences of smoking. They also believe the key to reaching the NZ aspirational 2025 goal
of a smoke free New Zealand requires that smokers themselves take ownership.
As young teenagers Anya, Tayla and Charlotte were aware of which dairies sold smokes to minors and which diaries sold
single cigarettes. It was just something that all of us young smokers knew” says Tayla. “At the time we thought they
were a good thing, but now we realise they just helped feed our addiction” says Charlotte.
Under the Smoke-free Environments Amendment Act 1990, single cigarettes are not allowed to be sold. A minimum of 20
cigarettes is required. “Most young people can’t afford $30 a packet but at $1.50 per cigarette it’s cheaper than a can
of coke” says Anya.
We hope that by doing our rally we let communities know that this practice is illegal, that this practice can be the
gateway for young people to become addicted to tobacco. We want communities to know that this practice is unacceptable
and to let authorities know.
Boyd Broughton of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) says “ASH strongly supports a tobacco licensing regime and the
ability for retailers to lose the right to sell tobacco indefinitely should they flout the smokefree laws. Essentially,
a strict licensing process could lead to higher retailer compliance and less tobacco available to our young people via
retail outlets.
If you know of dairies who sell single cigarettes or cigarettes to minors contact Auckland Regional Public Health
Service, (09) 623 4600. Outside of Auckland try your local District Health Board.
The rally against the selling of single cigarettes will be held at 2pm 27th of August on the cnr of Avondale Road & Rosebank Avenue.
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