Whitireia Campuses To Become Smokefree Zones

For immediate release

Whitireia Campuses To Become Smokefree Zones

From 1 January 2013, smoking will not be permitted at all Whitireia campuses in Wellington, Auckland, Porirua, and Kāpiti.

The smoking policy has long been in discussion at Whitireia. Introducing a smokefree environment has been a gradual process and is now being implemented and supported by the Health and Safety Committee and Senior Management.

Whitireia have a commitment to providing a positive, healthy learning environment said Human Resources Manager, Warren Thompson. “We teach a range of health programmes here at Whitireia and have an ethic of doing the right thing for our staff, students and visitors”. Having a total smokefree environment policy endorses the values we believe in as an organisation” he said.

Staff and students at each campus will be responsible for ensuring the total smokefree environment is successful said Jan Ryan, Health and Safety Committee representative. “Everyone is being asked to play an active role”.

Whitireia is not asking staff or students to give up smoking as a result of going totally smokefree; this is an individual’s choice. Whitireia will offer support to staff and students if they do make the choice to “quit” smoking as a result of this change. The support currently offered will continue, and will be highlighted at the time of implementation in January 2013.

Whitireia campuses becoming smokefree, links to its vision, of “leading and illuminating its communities”. The polytechnic will be leading and illuminating by introducing a policy change that will see it providing a better environment for its campus communities. Staff, students and visitors to campuses will benefit from a healthier, cleaner environment.

ENDS

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