Smokefree Environments

This information is to help and support contracted organisations to develop smokefree environments for the good health of their clients and staff. As health providers we can all contribute to this - being role models for smokefree lifestyles in our organisations is important and achievable.

You will be aware that tobacco smoking continues to be the single biggest cause of preventable sickness and death in New Zealand, in particular through its major contribution to cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and stroke), cancer (in particular lung cancer) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Tobacco also impacts significantly on child health through its direct effects during pregnancy and indirect effects in childhood e.g. respiratory tract conditions and ear disease.

"Better help for smokers to quit", one of the six major health targets designed to address tobacco's effect on New Zealanders, is one of a wide range of strategies our government is undertaking in order to achieve Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 - a smokefree future for our children.

There are four aspects to this support, these being the development and implementation of smokefree policies, access to training and resources that will aid in the achievement of smokefree environments and access to smoking cessation providers who will help people who smoke to quit.

• smokefree policy
• smokefree training
• smokefree resources
• smoking cessation providers (PDF)