Kaipara Retailers Lead the Way

Ruawai Dairy and The Paparoa Store have joined five additional Kaipara business (11 Northland-wide), putting their community first by protecting the local kids from tobacco marketing.

Ruawai Dairy joins with the Really Good Shop in Te Kopuru in refusing to sell tobacco products, while Paparoa Store's decision to place tobacco Out of Sight under the counter, follows the stand taken by Jaques 4 Square in Kaiwaka and BJ's Dairy in Dargaville.

Robbie Hinsch of the Paparoa Store made the decision to move his store's tobacco products under the counter during store renovations. The move initially "more about convenience and security for us" said Robbie. "But we've increasingly realised that the displays affect the kids that come into our store, so we're happy to keep our tobacco products out of sight."

He went on to emphasise that there has been no negative feedback, and the move had not affected business at all "if people want tobacco products" he says "they just ask".

The Northland Smokefree Network, Patu Puauahi, has acknowledged and applauded every one of these businesses.  "We really respect the move that these Kaipara retailers are taking. It really shows the community spirit in Kaipara." says Northland DHB Smokefree Co-ordinator, Bridget Rowse.

Debbie Evans, CEO of the Kaipara Community Health Trust, emphasised the impact of tobacco displays on youth smoking uptake.  "Getting tobacco out of sight protects kids without affecting store owners or smokers that have no interest in quitting - it's a win - win situation for the community." says Ms Evans

Cancer Society Northland Health Promoter Jim Callaghan agrees, "Tobacco displays are effectively giant billboards, undermining the work we do to teach kids about the incredible harm caused by smoking."

"Paparoa Store's action proves to other retailers that moving tobacco from behind the counter, to under the counter can be done with little fuss," continues Jim. "It's about being responsible retailers."

"Advertising affects young people more than it does adults, and tobacco displays are no different. There is a clear relationship between the amount of times young people go into shops that display tobacco and youth smoking."

Jim encourages Northlanders to talk to their MPs and let them know that "It is young people who are most affected by tobacco displays but it is adults that must act. We need our community to stand up and say ‘our children deserve better', and freedom from the pressure of tobacco marketing is paramount. We need to get tobacco out of sight and out of mind."

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For further information contact:

Bridget Rowse, Smokefree Coordinator
Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 7908
Email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Jim Callaghan - Health Promoter
Cancer Society Northland
Tel. 027 208 4413

Fleur King, Public Relations Manager
Northland District Health Board 
Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 3315