Press Release Statement
For Immediate Release 23.9.09

Maori Calling for Control

Te Hotu Manawa Maori (THMM), New Zealand’s only National Maori Heart Health organisation unequivocally supports the move to investigate the tobacco industry and the role it plays in the disproportionate morbidity and mortality rates of Maori.

“Heart disease is the single largest killer of Maori in New Zealand today, one of the leading causes for this is smoking” said Te Hotu Manawa Maori, Auahi Kore lifestyles Manager, Irene Walker.

"The Maori mortality rate from tobacco has just as significant an impact on our whakapapa, our kaitiakitanga and on our tinorangatiratanga as has the need to address our Treaty settlements."

THMM has led the charge against tobacco for over a decade, therefore implore all Maori and non-Maori alike to submit their support through your local MP for this investigation being led by Hone Harawira. In particular THMM requests:

* Those Maori leaders who themselves may be smokers, to please seek help.

* All Maori smokers show leadership in your whanau by choosing to quit.

* A greater use of traditional values (Tikanga Maori) to end the unacceptable rates of death.

THMM also call on all those industries who support tobacco including retailers, advertising, media, logistics and those groups that receive tobacco industry funding at the expense of Maori lives to desist. THMM is proud to support this historical announcement.

ENDS