No Mixed Messages on Smoking

Hone Harawira, Member of Parliament for Tai Tokerau

Monday 14 August 2006

“Kaumatua have a very important role to play in the smokefree marae campaign, because our people listen to them when they speak” says Hone Harawira, of reports that he was suggesting kaumatua “enforce” smoking bans on marae throughout the country.

“Obviously, each marae has to consider when is the right time to go ‘smokefree’” said Mr Harawira.

“I agree with those iwi spokespeople who said that going smokefree is a decision that each marae determines within their own timeframe. My suggestion to people is not to be too pushy, and to give people time to digest it”.

“I’m telling people to go to their marae committee meetings and say they want the matter considered for adoption at their next marae AGM. That way everyone’s got time to consider the idea, discuss it with one another, and decide how it might best be implemented if the AGM agrees to the idea”.

“There’s some good people, keen to come and talk to anyone, or any marae committee, about this kaupapa”.

“We’ve already had some interest expressed since the weekends award ceremony in Christchurch, and if people want someone to come out and talk to their marae, just give me a bell on (04) 470 6955 and I’ll put you in touch with the right people for your area” ended Hone Harawira.

ENDS

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