Thursday 31 May is World Smokefree Day and Auckland Council is restating its commitment to a healthier, smokefree city by 2025.

Last year the council updated its Smokefree Policy promising to deliver “a healthy and clean environment where people can enjoy public spaces and events without exposure to tobacco smoke and cigarette litter.”

More signage around public spaces

The policy guides the council’s goal for all parks and open spaces, playgrounds, outdoor dining areas in cafes and restaurants, sports fields and town centres to be smokefree.

“This year you will see more signage being installed across the city showing places where council is working to make the area smokefree,” said Environment and Community Committee chair Councillor Penny Hulse.

“We’re proactively working with Auckland Regional Public Health Service, Auckland Transport, Cancer Society, regional sports trusts, and business and community organisations to support this campaign,” she says.

“Commitment to smokefree open spaces not only benefits the health of Aucklanders but delivers a basis for the time when young people will grow up in a totally smokefree environment.”

The Cancer Society supports the council’s smokefree city goal.

Chief executive John Loof said, “We all know that second-hand smoke is a serious hazard, so clearing the air in places where families gather makes perfect sense as well as creating a better environment that we all get to enjoy.

“There are proven benefits for hospitality workers who suffer less harm and council’s policy also really helps those who are trying to quit. It’s a win all around.”

Working towards a smokefree city

The most recent tobacco-use figures show 84 per cent of New Zealanders do not smoke. Among young people, 96 per cent of 15- to 17-year-olds are non-smokers.

“World Smokefree Day is an opportunity to celebrate the success in smoking cessation and we stay committed to working towards a smokefree city,” said Councillor Hulse.

You can find more information on the council’s Smokefree Policy 2017-2025 on the Auckland Council website.

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