Media release

7 April 2011

Auckland Regional Parks going smokefree

Auckland's 24 regional parks are going smokefree thanks to a new policy being implemented by Auckland Council.

The new Smokefree Policy will see the regional parks join a growing number of smokefree outdoor facilities including Auckland Zoo, Mt Smart Stadium, Eden Park and playgrounds, skate parks and sports fields used by children in Manukau and Waitakere.

Parks, Recreation and Heritage Forum Chairperson, Councillor Sandra Coney, says the move to smokefree parks is a logical step.

"Regional Parks are family friendly havens, with playgrounds, bush walks, beaches and picnic sites. Promoting smokefree parks sets a positive example to our younger park visitors. The last thing you need when enjoying the clean air and natural beauty of our parks is the waft of someone else's smoking. The reduction of cigarette butts littering parks will certainly benefit the environment as well."

"Risk of fire is another reason smokefree makes sense. We need to protect our forested and coastal areas and a carelessly thrown butt can have catastrophic effects in the dry summer months."

John Loof, CEO of the Cancer Society Auckland, is delighted at the stance taken by Auckland Council. "Our Regional Parks are beautiful, wide open spaces that belong to the people of Auckland, we're thrilled that everyone can now enjoy the great outdoors without being exposed to passive smoke."

Cr Coney emphasises that the new policy relies on social pressure rather than a big-stick approach. "We rely on education and other parks' visitors to remind smokers that our parks are smokefree. This has worked at other venues. It will happen over time as the message gets around."

Smoking is banned by law in the buildings and grounds of schools and early childhood centres and indoors at all workplaces. The Auckland Council plans to look at the extension of smokefree policies to other parks in the future.

Ends

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