Pathway to the breath of life

Pathway to the breath of life

The National Maori Tobacco Control Leadership Service has unveiled its official name. The service will be called Te Ara Ha Ora or pathway to the breath of life. The naming process was undertaken by esteemed kaumatua Amster Reedy. “We met with Amster Reedy after gathering feedback from community and the tobacco control sector. We shared their thoughts with Amster and the new name emerged. Amster is respected for his long-time involvement in the sector so we feel honoured to have him as part of the naming" says Zoe Hawke, Kaiwhakahere of the service.

The path towards the breath of life for all – a life free of tobacco is a name that appeals to Aukati Kaipaipa worker Jeanette Nathan of Te Runanga o Ngati Whatua.“I really like the name as it signifies the tapu nature of our breath of life, and how we need to go back to being free of smoke and toxins” says Mrs Nathan.

An official launch is being planned for October. While waiting for October Te Ara Ha Ora will continue to work toward achieving a Smokefree Maori nation by 2025 through building leadership and connecting and communicating across the country.

ENDS

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