Breathing easy for Napier’s Housing NZ Tenants

16 January, 2009

Breathing easy for Napier’s Housing New Zealand tenants

Encouraging tenants to have a smoke free home or to quit smoking themselves has won Housing New Zealand’s Napier Neighbourhood Unit and the Hawke’s Bay DHB an Asthma and Respiratory Advocacy Award.

Carleine Receveur smoke free project manager for the District Health Board said the award from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation recognised an initiative that through education and support had become a reality

The award was given for “outstanding contribution towards creating an environment in which people with respiratory conditions can breathe easier,” she said.

Executive director of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Jane Patterson said only a limited number of awards were presented.

“This brilliant initiative in Napier shows how government agencies can take a positive approach to things - we are really impressed - good on them,” Ms Patterson said.

Housing New Zealand’s acting East Coast Hawke’s Bay Regional Manager Merv Dudley said Napier office staff were delighted to win the award.

“Because many of our tenants smoke we thought we would try to help them break the habit by providing information about quitting and encouraging them to smoke outside if they didn’t feel they were ready to give up just yet.

“While most people know about the damage smoking does to their own health, they are now also aware of the impact it has on those around them.

“The initiative has been really well-received by tenants and a number have either given up or are in the process of doing so. Many more have chosen to smoke outside which is fantastic. With such a positive response and winning the award, we will definitely be continuing to encourage people to be smoke free,” Mr Dudley said.

ENDS