MEDIA RELEASE

5 November 2009

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s recent decision to adopt a Smokefree Outdoor Spaces Policy has been commended by Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service.

“We congratulate Western Bay of Plenty District Council for their proactive leadership in promoting a smokefree lifestyle as being the norm in our community. The Council is sending a positive message that our young peoples’ health and the environment should be protected from the effects of smoking” says Graeme Savage, Regional Manager, Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service.

Western Bay joins Opotiki and Rotorua District Councils in adopting a Smokefree Outdoor Spaces policy, as a way of achieving community outcomes. Residents of the Western Bay have identified a healthy and safe lifestyle is an important outcome for them. Graeme Savage says “Smoking is New Zealand’s largest preventable cause of death, so we really need to tackle this issue head on to achieve this outcome. The council has taken the stance to do exactly that, which is fantastic.”

Under the policy the public will be asked to refrain from smoking in council owned playgrounds, parks, sports fields, reserves, gardens and beaches. This also includes events held in council parks.

The policy aims to normalise non-smoking and encourage positive role models for children and young people in the Western Bay of Plenty District. Evidence shows that children and young adults learn from observing others. The community-enforced policy gives residents the opportunity to provide an encouraging environment for families.

Western Bay of Plenty is now the 24th council in New Zealand to adopt a comprehensive educational Smokefree Outdoor Spaces policy. “We look forward to seeing the progress towards healthier communities in the Western Bay of Plenty,” says Graeme Savage.

For further information visit http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz.

ENDS