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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. Reducing the harm caused by tobacco is one of ten national health targets set 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:
Smokefree signage is available from the Community Health Information Centre.
Smokefree Networks
 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, the Heart Foundation, and DHB staff.
Some joint projects in our coverage area are:
Documents
Downloads
Order copies from the Community Health Information Centre.
Links
World Smokefree Day
Tobacco Control (Ministry of Health)
Action on Smoking and Health (ASH)
Smokefree Coalition
Te Reo Marama Maori Smokefree Coalition
Smoking: Not Our Future
Smoking: Face the Facts
Health Sponsorship Council
Cancer Society
Smokefree Schools
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