Areas we work in / Ngā Wāhi Mahi

SMOKEFREE

Tobacco smoking is the single greatest cause of premature death and disability in New Zealand. It results in almost 5000 deaths every year, killing more than half of those who use it as intended. The importance of reducing the harm caused by tobacco is one of ten national health targets by the New Zealand Government.

The 2006/07 New Zealand Health Survey indicated the current smoking prevalence among adults in Canterbury was 19%, compared with 25% in South Canterbury, and 28% on the West Coast. However rates were significantly higher among Māori and Pacific populations

Staff at Community and Public Health aim to improve and protect the health of the population by reducing the harm from tobacco use and exposure to second hand smoke by:

preventing smoking initiation
preventing harm to non-smokers from second-hand smoke
promoting smoking cessation

Staff are involved in a number of specific projects including:

assistance with the implementation of the Smokefree Environments Act
promotion of Auahi Kore and Smoking Cessation programmes
encouragement for development of Smokefree Environments such as Homes and Cars, and Playgrounds.

If you need Smokefree signage, please contact the Community Health Information Centre or view the Smokefree resources available to order.

Smokefree Networks

World Smokefree Day Logo Smokefree networks provide a vehicle to work collaboratively to enhance and further tobacco issues that are relevant within each area or community. Agencies involved or represented in some or all of these networks include Primary Health Organisations (PHO), the Cancer Society, Schools, Heart Foundation, District Health Board Staff.

Some joint projects around the Community and Public Health region include the Hornby Project, Smokefree Playgrounds and World Smokefree Day celebrations.