Draft smokefree policy – we want your feedback

Whether bus shelters, parks, playgrounds and sports fields should be smoke free is a question being put to Napier and Hastings residents from this week.

This month, residents of both areas have the chance to let councils know if they support a voluntary ban on smoking in public places like parks and bus stops, or not.

The ban would be non-enforceable, with signs designed to positively encourage smokers to “enjoy the fresh air and refrain from smoking”, said Napier City Councillor Michelle Pyke.

The two councils had worked together on the proposal, which aligned with central Government’s plan for New Zealand to be smokefree by 2025.

“This isn’t about trying to make people quit, although health agencies are happy to help if anyone does; the policy is about providing some more smoke free public places for all people to enjoy,” said said Hastings District councillor Cynthia Bowers

The combined Hastings District Council and Napier City Council draft smokefree policy is on both councils’ websites, with the councils wanting to know what people think, for and against.

The things people are being asked to think about include whether smokers should be asked to refrain from smoking in playgrounds, parks and sports grounds, entrances to council-owned building and facilities, and bus shelters.

Also up for discussion is whether people running events with the support of council funds should be required to display smokefree messages at those events. Or, should the status quo remain?

Ms Pyke said submitters need not be limited by what was set out in the draft policy. “The draft policy has what council thinks is good to include, but you can say whatever you think should or should not be included.”

Submitters can read the policy and get their point of view across on-line in Napier, www.napier.govt.nz #talktous; or Hastings, www.myvoicemychoice.co.nz. Copies of the submission form and draft policy are also available from either council’s reception areas or libraries. Submissions are open until 5.00pm on Monday 3 August 2015.

ENDS

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