Manukau to launch smokefree policy

Manukau will launch its Smokefree Parks policy at the 2009 ASB Polyfest that begins 18 March. The new policy means all parks in Manukau will be smokefree in areas where children and young people gather, such as playgrounds and sports fields.

Research shows that the more children and young people are exposed to people smoking, the more likely they are to think of smoking as a ‘normal’ activity.

Thinking that ‘everyone else is doing it’ increases the likelihood that children and young people will become smokers themselves. In fact, more than 80 per cent of New Zealanders don’t smoke and smokefree parks will help reflect this.

Parks are places for children to be active, play sport and keep fit and healthy, says Mayor Len Brown. “It’s not appropriate they should also be places where children are exposed to people smoking.

“Most parents, including smokers, hate the idea of their children starting smoking. I am fortunate that I’ve never been a smoker and I’m confident residents will support the new policy and help keep our kids smokefree.”

Manukau joins a growing number of councils in introducing smoking restrictions in areas designed for use by children. These councils include Waitakere, South Taranaki, Upper Hutt, Central Hawke’s Bay, New Plymouth, Wairarapa, Napier, Hastings, Queenstown, Gisborne, Kapiti and Rotorua.

Signs will go up in the council-owned parks so people are clear which areas are smokefree. The signs are an important way of encouraging the community to maintain a clean, healthy environment in areas used by children and young people.