Stub out smoking at Parliament, Stroke Foundation urges

Recent measures announced by the Government are fantastic steps in the campaign to help New Zealanders go smokefree.

“Plain packaging and the tax increases will work. They will help save lives,” Stroke Foundation CEO Mark Vivian said.

But the Government can do more – it can tidy up its own backyard.

Although banned in buildings, smokers can still light up in Parliament’s grounds – despite many other similar institutions, such as Government House, banning the habit.

“It’s ridiculous you can still have a cigarette in the shadow of the Beehive, where our leaders are promising to get tough on smoking,” Mr Vivian said.

The Stroke Foundation applauds plans to raise the tobacco tax by ten percent each year for the next four years, and to commit to plain packaging.

“But it’s ironic that at the same time these announcements were being made, a smoker could light up on the lawn outside.”

The Government has a goal of a smokefree Aotearoa 2025 – largely thanks to the work of former Associate Minister of Health, Dame Tariana Turia.

“Dame Tariana showed some great leadership on this issue,” Mr Vivian said

“We really need the Government to continue to build on her good work, with steps like those outlined in the Budget, to ensure a smokefree New Zealand by 2025 isn’t just a pipe dream.”

It’s well-known that tobacco use contributes to a number of fatal diseases, including stroke. Tobacco is linked to six million deaths worldwide every year.

Fifteen percent of New Zealanders still use tobacco – a number that is far too high. The goal of Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 is to reduce that to five percent.

Around 35% of Maori smoke, one of the risk factors that contributes to an average age of stroke onset of 60 for Maori, compared to 65-75 for non-Maori.

“The theme of this year’s Smokefree Day is ‘It’s About Whanau’, and there’s no better reason to quit than the health of you and your loved ones,” Mr Vivian said.

“What better example could the Government set this World Smokefree Day, than by pledging to ban smoking in Parliament’s grounds.”

ENDS

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