Media Release

15 March 2011

NZNO supports a Smokefree New Zealand by 2025

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) congratulates the Government on its response to the bold Māori Affairs Select Committee report that calls for a Smokefree New Zealand / Aotearoa by 2025.

NZNO kaiwhakahaere, Kerri Nuku says the report’s recommendations are victory for all New Zealanders.

“Eliminating smoking in Aotearoa will be one of the single biggest actions we can take to improve the health of our whānau, hapu and iwi. Getting the tobacco companies out of this country will create a better chance for health equity for all New Zealanders.”

“We have some of the worse tobacco-related statistics in the world; 5000 of us die every year from smoking-related illnesses and a disproportionate number are Māori. We now have the opportunity to address these inequalities. We can break the cycle and create a new generation of smokefree tamariki.”

“I’m enthusiastic about the potential for nurses and kaimahi hauora to play a lead role is helping our communities to lead healthy and smokefree lives. We can be powerful advocates for tobacco-free homes and communities,” she said.

NZNO looks forward to working with Government to develop the detail of how to achieve a Smokefree Aotearoa. NZNO urges the Government to adequately fund the resources needed to empower our communities to quit before 2025. Kia mau ki te kaupapa whakahirahira, ki te tupeka kore o Aotearoa!”

ENDS.
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