Tuesday 28 February 2017

Smokefree policy rollout praised

Lakes District Health Board has joined Toi Te Ora Public Health in praising the leadership of Rotorua Lakes Council in making more public places smokefree.

The Council plans to extend its Smokefree Outdoor Spaces Policy in two phases over two years. Phase one will see no smoking implemented at all bus stops and shelters, at the i-Site and library surrounds (including Jean Batten Park), at Rotorua International Stadium, at all youth spaces, all council-controlled reserves and parks, and all council delivered events.

Phase two starting in January 2018, will see outdoor paved eating places, Eat Streat, inner city markets, and entrances and exits of public buildings and facilities also become smokefree zones.

Lakes DHB Chief Executive Ron Dunham says the smokefree policy roll out is another really important step towards the smokefree 2025 vision and says credit must go to the Mayor Steve Chadwick and Council staff for their leadership in making this happen, with positive effects for the whole community. 

He says helping people to quit smoking is really important to the DHB and health services, and everyone in the community can help support smokers to quit.

Health policy advisor at the Council, Rosemary Viskovic has been a regular attendee at the meetings of the Smokefree Coalition, keeping all attendees working in the area of smokefree up to date with the Council’s plan to extend smokefree spaces.
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