NZNO congratulates Māori Affairs Select Committee on bold report

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) heartily applauds members of the Māori Affairs Select Committee on their recommendations resulting from the inquiry into the tobacco industry in Aotearoa New Zealand, and the consequences of tobacco use for Māori.

“We know the tobacco industry doesn’t like to be challenged, so it very pleasing to see recommendations in the report that will hit the tobacco industry in the only place that matters to them - their wallets”, said NZNO kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku.

“The Select Committee’s vision is for a smoke free Aotearoa New Zealand by 2025, with smoking prevalence halved by 2015. That’s a brave vision but NZNO believes it is achievable and will work alongside Government to ensure it becomes a reality.”

NZNO is also very pleased to see the recommendation to increase and extend the range and reach of cessation services, particularly for Māori women who have the highest rates of smoking.

“Nurses and kaimahi hauora are credible and trusted health professionals, and have the potential to be the largest workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand providing effective smoking cessation interventions. We can all be powerful advocates for tobacco-free homes and communities,” Kerri Nuku said.

“Māori nurses are role models for our whānau, hapū and iwi, but let’s not forget that health professionals who smoke also need supportive programmes to help them quit, without being made to feel guilty about their addiction. Programmes specifically aimed at supporting Māori health professionals to quit is another way of empowering our communities, whānau, hapū and iwi to quit.”

“This report will pave the way to breaking the cycle and creating a new generation of smokefree tamariki. Kia mau ki te kaupapa whakahirahira, ki te tupeka kore o Aotearoa!”

ENDS.

© Scoop Media