Christchurch
1.1 Background
When students at Hornby High School undertook a project to develop a landscape plan for their local park in 2006, they decided it would also be good to make the park smokefree. This set off chain of events that eventually led to a Smokefree Outdoor Public Places Policy making all playgrounds, reserves, sport parks and Council events, smokefree. So far, Christchurch is the largest city in New Zealand to approve such a policy.
1.2 Approach to Council
Community and Public Health (CPH) (a Division of the Canterbury District Health Board) was working on a local landscape project with Hornby High School, and approached Smokefree Canterbury (a collection of agencies meeting regularly to reduce the impact of smoking on the community), who took on the role of project leader. Funding was obtained from the Partnership Health Primary Health Organisation (PHO) to scope a trial of four smokefree playgrounds within three Hornby parks.
Smokefree Canterbury began advocating to the local Community Board and soon secured its support. Central to this support was the lead taken by students from Hornby High School who helped to make the issue relevant to youth.
A formal project plan and steering group was developed by the Cancer Society and CPH on behalf of Smokefree Canterbury. A presentation on smokefree playgrounds was delivered to the Council which unanimously agreed the trial should be run.
1.3 Trial implementation
The three-month trial was implemented throughout May to July 2008. The launch of the trial was planned around World Smokefree Day (31 May) and a community event was held at one of the parks.
1.3.1 Budget
The PHO allocated a budget for the trial phase. This was spent on signage, communications and promotional materials.
1.3.2 Promotion
A professional events and communications company was hired to organise the trial launch event. Extensive promotion was undertaken including media releases, flyers and a YouTube competition for local schools. Smokefree signage was placed at each of the trial playgrounds.
A flyer was produced and distributed around community residences prior to the launch. A second flyer was distributed at a Health Day, run at the end of the trial, informing residents of how the trial would support the introduction of a policy for smokefree playgrounds.
1.3.3 Media coverage
The launch received media coverage in local papers and on both local and national television. The Hornby High School students became spokespeople for the event and were heavily involved with the publicity. A six minute slot of positive coverage was secured on Campbell Live (a national daily current affairs television programme).
The key message promoted via the media was that smokefree playgrounds are about de-normalising smoking rather than banning it. Great care was taken to stress the need not mention “a ban” in any media.
1.4 Policy formation
During the trial, Smokefree Canterbury conducted a survey of 150 people from the community to gauge attitudes towards smokefree playgrounds and parks. Results showed there was strong community support, with 93 percent finding smokefree playgrounds acceptable and 75 percent finding smokefree parks acceptable. Even smokers found the idea acceptable. The rationale behind smokefree parks and playgrounds was also well understood.
These results were taken to Christchurch City Council in November 2008, which approved the idea of a smokefree policy. Smokefree Canterbury, in partnership with the Council, undertook extensive consultation with stakeholders, council staff, elected members and the community on developing a document outlining policy options.
This involved a telephone survey of 400 people and a stakeholder’s workshop to work through options. A similar workshop was held for elected council members.
Again, consultation suggested a high degree of support for smokefree outdoor areas. On that basis it was recommended Council pass a smokefree policy covering green spaces and council-owned events with a view that the policy be progressive and extendable into other public areas.
In June 2009 Christchurch City Council introduced a policy to make all parks and reserves (including playgrounds and sports parks) as well as council-owned events in Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula smokefree.
1.5 Evaluation
The project by Smokefree Canterbury in partnership with Christchurch City Council is considered a success to date. The policy will be evaluated over two years to see if there is increased understanding in the community and to assess any evidence of smokefree behavioural change.
As the policy is not enforceable, the main focus is now to create understanding in the community. The two Hornby High School students have become members of Smokefree Canterbury and are helping to promote the message that smokefree outdoor areas provide great role modelling for young people.
1.5.1 What worked well
The collaborative work of the Smokefree Canterbury members with Christchurch City Council was a major factor in effectively carrying out both advocacy and trial preparation. A detailed and comprehensive communications and public relations plan was also hugely successful in terms of promoting smokefree playgrounds and publicising key messages. The identification of key champions within Council was also crucial.
The policy itself is progressive, allowing for its scope to be re-evaluated at some further time. This may mean it can be extended to other outdoor spaces, providing there is sufficient public and stakeholder support.
1.5.2 What could have worked better?
At the outset of the project, Smokefree Canterbury approached Council staff who were not able to make the necessary decisions. The initial stages of the project would have been more effective if how Council worked had been thoroughly explored first.
Project leaders believe the trial would have been better undertaken over summer rather than winter. This would have made it easier to promote as the playgrounds are used more over the summer period.
1.6 Suggestions
The following suggestions came from key members of the Smokefree Canterbury team:
- Be clear about what you want to achieve and who’s going to be involved. Get all necessary parties round the table for a collaborative effort – the message is stronger when it comes from the ‘sum of the parts’.
- Seeking financial support for media and public relations is very important.
- Find a council ‘champion’ who can open doors for you.
- Keep people informed – a good communications plan is essential.
- Thorough consultation with the community and stakeholders will point you in the best strategic direction to go with a smokefree policy.
- Establish a project group or steering group to keep you on track and to get new ideas.
- Take time to understand council processes – this will help explain to others the steps required
- Look at the case for smokefree outdoor areas from a council’s perspective, i.e. how might they support council plans and strategies?
- Consider carefully what your project is trying to achieve and how you can best evaluate "success".
Council adopts smokefree policy
Christchurch City Council
MEDIA RELEASE
25 June 2009
The Christchurch City Council, with support from Smokefree Canterbury, today approved a policy that will make all parks and reserves (including playgrounds and sports parks) as well as Council-owned events in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula smokefree.
The policy is the culmination of 18 months work which started when students from Hornby High School put forward a case for smokefree playgrounds to their local community board.
Supported by Partnership Health Primary Health Organisation (PHO), a trial of smokefree playgrounds in Hornby resulted in a high degree of support within the community for smokefree playgrounds and parks.
By focusing on public outdoor areas the Council is sending a message that our children need positive smokefree role models and that their health should be protected from the effects of smoking.
Christchurch City Council spokesperson Alan Bywater said smokefree outdoor public places have a big role to play in making smokefree environments the norm, and showing young people that smoking is the exception rather than the rule.
“We all need to take responsibility for the health of our children. This policy is for a smokefree future generation as our children are the next generation of non-smokers,” said Mr Bywater.
“It’s not about punishing smoking or telling smokers they can’t smoke. The policy is about discouraging smoking in public outdoor areas where people, particularly children and young people, gather.”
Compliance with the policy will be voluntary and will not be enforced by Council staff. Rather, the policy aims to encourage smokers via signage and word of mouth to be responsible and not smoke in areas where children and young people gather.
The Council will roll out smokefree signage over the coming year, with the priority being signage at children’s playgrounds. The policy also aims to promote all Council-owned events as smokefree. This will assist in getting the message out to the community and encouraging healthy, non-smoking events.
“Smokefree public places will make our city an even better place to live,” said Mr Bywater.
The policy has been developed in partnership with Smokefree Canterbury, through which Community and Public Health (a division of the Canterbury District Health Board), the Cancer Society and Partnership Health Canterbury PHO have played major roles.
Canterbury District Health Board Smokefree Manager Vivien Daley welcomed the move and said “it is really pleasing to see organisations across the city working together collaboratively and cooperatively to establish a policy which clearly promotes healthy smokefree lifestyles. It has been a long process, but well worth it, and we applaud the City Council for taking this stand.”
Similar smokefree policies in public outdoor settings have been adopted by more than 20 other councils in New Zealand, as well as other countries including Australia, the United Kingdom and the USA.
Ends
For more information contact Communications Advisor Robyn Fennell on 03 941 8762 or 027 236 9054.
Source:
http://www.ccc.govt.nz/MediaReleases/2009/June/25153344.asp
ooOOOoo
What is the Council's new smokefree policy?
Is the Council’s new smokefree policy a ban?
No. The policy is not about punishing smoking or telling smokers they can’t smoke. The policy is about discouraging smoking in public outdoor areas where people, particularly children and young people, gather.
Compliance with the policy will be voluntary and will not be enforced by Council staff. Rather, the policy aims to encourage smokers via signage and word of mouth to be responsible and not smoke in areas where children and young people gather.
The Council will roll out smokefree signage over the coming year, with the priority being signage at children’s playgrounds. The policy also aims to promote all Council-owned events as smokefree. This will assist in getting the message out to the community and encouraging healthy, non-smoking events.
To how many outdoor public places will the policy apply?
There are approximately 580 neighbourhood parks that are generally small and provide places for informal recreation and small scale community events and facilities.
There are approximately 50 garden and heritage parks that vary in size and have a significant place in our natural and cultural heritage.
The Council manages approximately 70 regional parks that are large open spaces, mostly on the urban fringe, that protect and enhance environmental, scenic and cultural values.
There are approximately 326 outdoor playgrounds that are generally small and provide places for recreation and play for children.
There are approximately 120 sports parks in the district. These parks, which are generally large, green areas, enable people to participate in organised sport and other forms of active and passive recreation.
Why are parks and reserves (including playgrounds and sports parks) and Council-owned events included in the policy?
The policy applies to all areas where children and young people are key users and where environmental issues (litter and fires) are relevant.
But what about the rights of smokers?
There would still be plenty of other outdoor public places for people to smoke (with no smokefree restriction) should they choose to smoke in those other public places.
Where can I smoke?
Anywhere you choose, provided it is not illegal (i.e. in bars, restaurants, schools, workplaces). The policy is not a legal ban against smoking. It is about encouraging people to choose not to smoke in particular public outdoor areas and to increase the acceptability of smokefree environments.
What triggered the need for Council to introduce the policy?
The policy is the culmination of 18 months work which started when students from Hornby High School put forward a case for smokefree playgrounds to their local community board.
Supported by Partnership Health Primary Health Organisation (PHO), a trial of smokefree playgrounds in Hornby resulted in a high degree of support within the community for smokefree playgrounds and parks.
The policy has been developed in partnership with Smokefree Canterbury, through which Community and Public Health (a division of the Canterbury District Health Board), the Cancer Society and Partnership Health Canterbury PHO have played major roles.
Similar smokefree policies in public outdoor settings have been adopted by more than 20 other councils in New Zealand, as well as other countries including Australia, the United Kingdom and the USA.
The policy contributes to the following community outcomes:
- A healthy city
- A city of people who value and protect the natural environment
What evidence is there that the policy will work?
Research shows that the longer the onset of smoking is delayed, the less likely a person is to become a daily smoker. Thinking about it in a different light – the less young people see smoking, the less ‘normal’ it will seem.
Tobacco use needs to be de-normalised by reducing the visibility, attitudes and behaviours that reinforce the use of tobacco products. One effective way to do this is to increase the number of outdoor settings in the community where smoking is discouraged. It is becoming less acceptable for people to smoke around children and young peoples, reflecting the success of the Smokefree or Auahi Kore campaign.
Why is this policy not enforced?
The policy does not ban smoking nor is there an expectation that Council officers will enforce the policy. Rather the policy aims to encourage smokers to be good role models for children and young people by not smoking in public places. Introducing a policy where people can choose to comply is in the spirit of promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Where is the money for this policy coming from?
Funds for this policy are allocated within existing Council budgets. In addition, Smokefree Canterbury, has offered external funding to support the implementation (i.e. communication and signage) of the policy.
In the long term Council needs to support the health and well-being of Christchurch residents. Smoking is a huge cost to our social, economic and cultural well-being. Tobacco is the single biggest cause of premature death in New Zealand and consequently represents a major issue for all organisations with a role in public health and community wellbeing.
Contact Details
CCC Customer Services - Info Line 941-8999 info@ccc.govt.nz
CCC Banks Peninsula Residents Free Call 0800 800 169 info@ccc.govt.nz
ooOOOoo
Christchurch Council's Smokefree Public Places Policy
That the Council adopt the proposed Smokefree Public Places Policy.
Council
25 June 2009
Introduction/Purpose
Christchurch City Council will be proactive and demonstrate leadership by promoting a smokefree lifestyle as being both desirable and the norm in Christchurch. By focusing on public outdoor locations, the Council will send a positive message that our children and young people’s health and the environment (i.e. litter and fires) should be protected from the effects of smoking.
Compliance with the policy would be voluntary and it would not be enforced by Council staff. The objective which the Council seeks to achieve1 would not unduly infringe the ability of others to smoke in outdoor public places should they want to.
Definitions and Scope
There are around 580 neighbourhood parks that are generally small and provide places for informal recreation and small scale community events and facilities. They form part of a network of open space that includes walkways and cycle-ways. There are around 50 garden and heritage parks. These parks vary in size and have a significant place in our natural and cultural heritage. Garden and heritage parks also play a significant role in supporting the Garden City image of Christchurch. The Council manages around 70 regional parks that are large open spaces, mostly on the urban fringe, that protect and enhance scenic, cultural and environmental values. There are around 120 sports parks in the district. These parks, which are generally large, green areas, enable people to participate in organized sport and other forms of active and passive recreation. There are around 326 outdoor playgrounds that are generally small and provide places for recreation and play for children.
Alignment
The policy will contribute to Christchurch District Community Outcomes:
- A Healthy City
- A City of People who Value and Protect the Natural Environment.
Relevant Legislation
The Local Government Act 2002 (LGA 2002) states that one of the purposes of councils is to promote the social, economic, environment and cultural well-being of communities, in the present and for the future. Section 11 of LGA 2002 provides that the role of councils is to give effect to their purpose, and perform the duties and exercise the rights conferred on them by, or under, LGA 2002. Section 23 of the Health Act 1956 also states that it is the duty of every council to improve, promote and protect public health within its district.
Policy Details
The core objective of this policy is the reduction of smoking uptake by children and young people. This policy is an educational tool to discourage smoking in public outdoor places where people, particularly children and young people, gather.
Key Policy Areas
Council-owned Parks, Playgrounds, Reserves, Sports Parks and Gardens
The public will be asked to refrain from smoking in Council-owned playgrounds and parks (including sports parks). Signage, as appropriate, will be displayed at parks and by playgrounds.
Council-owned Events
Events owned by Council will be consistently promoted as smokefree events. The need for smokefree events would be promoted in the events team’s promotional material, public announcements at events and on screen at major events such as Classical Sparks.
Information and Education
The Council will work with Smokefree Canterbury member organizations to ensure a robust communications plan is rolled out that promotes positive role modeling, will aim not to alienate smokers, and will be communicated over a long period of time to achieve a positive attitudinal and behaviour change by smokers. The Council will work with Smokefree Canterbury Members to ensure information relating to the new legislation and the health impacts of smoking and passive smoking are easily accessible to the community. Messages on signage and any communications will focus on the positive rather than the negative.
Smokefree signs will be integrated in the signs replacement/renewal programme where it is appropriate in parks, playgrounds and sports parks. For example, smokefree signs may not be appropriate in remote locations, where there is low usage and exposure of the area, or where there are other hazards which take priority over smokefree signage in the area (e.g. cliff dangers).
The policy is not a ban on smoking in a public place. No enforcement measures will be used against those who breach the policy. Introducing a policy where people can choose to comply is in the spirit of promoting health lifestyle choices.
Delegations
There are no delegated authorities to apply the policy.
Associated Procedure
As partners of the investigation, development and implementation of the policy, Smokefree Canterbury member organizations will be involved in the monitoring and evaluation of the policy.
Approval Date
25 June 2009
Date to be reconsidered
25 June 2012
Owner
General Manager City Environment
(1) That is, the reduction of smoking uptake by children and young persons by limiting their exposure to seeing others smoking.
Source: Smokefree Public Places Policy, Christchurch City Council website, August 2009
FURTHER INFORMATION
Martin Witt
Manager, Health Promotion and IT Services
Cancer Society of New Zealand
Canterbury West Coast Division
246 Manchester Street
Christchurch
Email: martin@canty.cancernz.org.nz
Heather Kimber
Community and Public Health
Email: heather.kimber@cdhb.govt.nz