Eden Park SmokeFree In 2008

Eden Park SmokeFree In 2008
Eden Park Trust Board
20 December 2007
For immediate release

In the new year, Auckland's Eden Park will join the growing number of Australasian stadia going smokefree. From 1 January patrons attending all games will be asked not to smoke in any part of the stadium, including outdoors, other than designated smoking areas.

Eden Park Operations Manager John Strawbridge says going smokefree is mainly about providing patrons with a smokefree environment in which to enjoy sport at Eden Park and to send out a good message to the young sports fans attending games at the stadium.

"Most people prefer to watch sporting events away from others' tobacco smoke, and smokers generally don't want to cause offence. So we're confident this smokefree initiative, with designated smoking areas, provides a more considerate environment for our patrons."

Smokefree environments are becoming the norm in New Zealand and internationally. Westpac Stadium in Wellington is smokefree, and Mt Smart Stadium went smokefree this year in all seating areas for Warriors games and events.

An August survey found 80 per cent of respondents supported smokefree seating at Mt Smart. Fifteen per cent said the move was 'very good' and 65 per cent rated it as 'excellent'.

The Eden Park smokefree initiative is being driven by the Eden Park Trust Board and has support from Auckland Rugby and Auckland Cricket. It also has the backing of the Auckland Regional Council, Auckland Regional Public Health, the Cancer Society, Heart Foundation, Health Sponsorship Council, Action on Smoking and Health, Te Hotu Manawa Maori, Te Reo Marama, Smokefree Coalition, the Public Health Association and the Stroke Foundation.

ENDS