Tobacco Control and Advocacy
Te Kura Manawa Taki refers to the rhythm of our breath, affirming our fundamental right to fresh air provided by Tāne, reaching back to Hine Ahuone. Tīhei Mauri Ora!.
Our work in tobacco control is our commitment to Te Kura Manawa Taki and supporting and creating environments where our whānau and mokopuna have access to quality air.
Tobacco control is not just a health imperative but a moral and societal responsibility. By working towards a Smokefree future, we address critical health disparities, protect mokopuna, and enhance our communities’ overall quality of life. The collective efforts of individuals, communities, and the sector are pivotal in making this vision a reality; for far too long, tobacco has inflicted harm on hapori.
Smoking is a leading cause of preventable illness and death globally, with far-reaching impacts on individual health, community well-being, and healthcare systems. The consequences of tobacco use are profound, contributing to a range of severe health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses. Moreover, smoking exacerbates health inequities, disproportionately affecting Māori communities, resulting in widespread harm.
What Hāpai is doing in this space
Our National Tobacco Control Service utilises relationships and key influencers to spur increased ownership and continued progress towards a Smokefree Aotearoa and achieving the goals to reach Smokefree Aotearoa.
Through our mahi, we:
-
Support communities to implement their own Smokefree health promotion and awareness strategies and deliver them to their communities
- Support communities to further understand the harm tobacco use has physically, financially, and emotionally and the impact it can have on mokopuna
- Co-ordinate regional and national responses to legislation that will further increase the inequalities Māori continue to experience
-
Further support communities to participate in submission and advocacy processes to amplify their voice and experience
- Support Māori and Pacific Smokefree networks to mobilise further and collectivise their efforts for a more significant impact
- Support the broader sector with their World Smokefree May initiatives
-
Work alongside policy and decision makers to provide information and influence advocating for Māori and Pacific approaches and solutions
Smokefree Community Activation Grant
- Increase the number of people who successfully quit smoking.
- Eliminate inequities in smoking rates and smoking-related illnesses.
- Create a Smokefree generation by increasing the number of children and young people who remain Smokefree.