Cancer Society Auckland want Smokefree implemented sooner

Cancer Society Auckland want Smokefree implemented sooner

Auckland Council’s Regional Development and Operations Committee today voted in favour of a comprehensive Smokefree policy to be introduced over the next 5 years. 

“Cancer Society Auckland commend Auckland Council on the adoption of this Smokefree policy but are disappointed they have not listened to the public who support the timeframes being brought forward to 2015.” says Beth Jenkinson (Health Promotion Manager).

Research conducted earlier this month, by Wyllie & Associates and Reid Research, found that Aucklanders support a wide variety of public places being Smokefree and want this sooner rather than later.  “A compelling finding of this research is the timing of Smokefree, with strong support from Aucklanders (64%) for Smokefree public places throughout their communities by mid-2016 or sooner.  The majority of respondents who smoke (55%) also support Smokefree being introduced by 2016 and today Council ignored the high support for this to happen” says Jenkinson.

The Research shows there is high support right across Auckland and included public places such as transport hubs, building entrances, outdoor eating areas, town centres, paths outside local shops, parks & sports fields, playgrounds, beaches, and outdoor events. 

“Public support is particularly high for places people use regularly such as bus stops, train stations (82%) and building entrances (84%).   There are also extremely high results for places where ‘families socialise’, such as outdoor eating areas with 91% of respondents likely to visit if they are Smokefree.  The local survey shows encouraging results in our higher density central Auckland areas where this figure is even higher at 95%” says Jenkinson.

John McEnteer, General Manager of the Southern Initiative, (a collective of South Auckland Local Boards), where smoking rates are highest across the Auckland region, is very supportive of the move for Auckland to be Smokefree, "Making more and more places in our communities Smokefree can’t come soon enough – our communities are ready for this and most importantly it will protect our tamariki.  Tamariki are our gold, our treasure for the future and introducing Smokefree public places as soon as possible is an important way of helping to protect this treasure".

“Our Council wants to make Auckland the world’s most liveable city and being Smokefree supports this goal. Today, the first step was made towards a Smokefree Auckland – this will help to create a future with less cancer for our children.”

ENDS

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