In September 2008 the Waitakere City Council adopted a policy to encourage smoke free practice around areas dedicated for children, youth and active recreation. This includes facilities and open space around:
30 September
Waitakere adopts smokefree areas in parks policy
Waitakere City Council is asking residents to kick a nasty habit in the butt while enjoying some of the city's open spaces.
The council has agreed to introduce a smokefree parks policy in areas where children and young people gather, such as playgrounds, skate parks and sports fields (including netball, basketball and tennis courts) and event areas.
Committee chairman Councillor Penny Hulse says the policy has an educative focus and asks people not to smoke in areas frequented by children - to send a positive message that smoking is not a 'normal' activity.
"There is growing evidence that children are more likely to become smokers if they see others smoking around them. We hope the policy will encourage people to become positive smokefree role models."
Statistics for the 2006 Census statistics around 21 percent of people in Waitakere are daily smokers.
Manukau City Council is introducing a similar policy.
Auckland Cancer Society chief executive John Loof says it is delighted to be working with both councils as they introduce their smokefree areas in parks policies.
"It is estimated that around 5000 New Zealanders die from smoking-related illnesses each year. If we can stop just a few of the region's young people from becoming smokers, then we'll have been successful."
Waitakere City Council is currently working on the policy's implementation, including finalising a launch date.
URL: http://www.waitakere.govt.nz/WhaHap/nm/mr/2008/sept08.asp#smokefreeparks
Gyles Bendall
Strategic Parks Planner, Parks Planning
Waitakere City Council
09-836 8000 ext 8424
021 28...
6 Henderson Valley Road
Private Bag 931009
Henderson 0650
Waitakere