Research Shows that Public Support for Smokefree is Strong

Press Release:  Cancer Society Auckland Northland

New Research shows that Public support for Smokefree is Strong 

Cancer Society Auckland undertook a survey of 4 local communities in South Auckland to gauge public support for Smokefree.  “This is the first localised survey of its kind undertaken in the Auckland area to provide local views on Smokefree”, says John Loof, CEO Cancer Society Auckland Northland. 

“This research has found high public support for shared spaces throughout our community to be Smokefree. Support was very high for child friendly places, such as parks, playgrounds and sportsfields; areas of high pedestrian traffic such as building entrances and town centres; and places people use frequently, such as bus stops and train stations”. 

The research also found that people are more likely to go to places if they are Smokefree, places such as; Outdoor eating areas, outdoor music and sporting events; beaches, parks, playgrounds, and sports fields.

“A significantly positive response came through on Smokefree outdoor eating areas with 87% of people either ‘more’ or ‘as likely’ to visit.  This result shows that business owners should not shy away from Smokefree policy.  The research showed that people want outdoor eating areas to be Smokefree and that they will likely increase attendance if they are”.

“Auckland Council can feel confident that not only do people support places being Smokefree, but by making these places Smokefree, they will increase attendance and patronage. Another strong message from the research was that people do not want different rules in different areas; they want a consistent Auckland wide Smokefree policy.  The survey results also highlighted that the public are not scared of by-laws and actually prefer a by-law council enforced approach”.

The Cancer Society support Council on their decision to be Smokefree and say that, now is the time to take action on this important issue.

“Council have prioritised Smokefree in the Auckland Plan, but to meet these targets by 2025 we now need to go beyond the parks and playgrounds approach and not delay. We need to move into high density and frequently used areas such as transport hubs, outdoor eating areas, building entrances and town centres and this research showed that all of these areas have high public support to be Smokefree”.

“As Auckland’s population continues to grow – we will see an increase in the use of our outdoor shared spaces, transport hubs and public events. If Auckland wants to grow into the most liveable city, creating child friendly, healthy shared Smokefree spaces will become crucial”.

The NZ Government have a goal to be Smokefree by 2025.  In-line with this goal, Auckland Council has set 2 targets in the Auckland Plan to make all public places Smokefree by 2025; and to reduce smoking to less than 3% across the 4 South Auckland local board areas (The Southern Initiative).

Council are currently in the development phase of the Smokefree policy that will be voted on at the Auckland Council Parks, Recreation and Heritage Forum on 14th May.

Infographic:

http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/1305/Smokefree_Public_Support.pdf

Key Messages:

http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/1305/Public_Support_Smokefree_Key_messages_May_2013_Cancer_Society_Auckland.pdf

ENDS

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