Local youths leading the charge to ban cigarette displays

Dedicated young Kiwis are taking to the streets of Whangarei this Thursday for World Smokefree Day (31 May), in a bid to further build community support for a ban on retail cigarette displays.

Local youths from Whangarei high schools are leading efforts to gather signatures from the local community for the ‘Ban Cigarette Displays’ petition. The petition calls on Parliament to take action to remove the prominent cigarette displays, which are evident in most petrol stations, dairies and supermarkets.

 

The vast majority of smokers fall into the nicotine trap in their youth. Cigarette displays in petrol stations, dairies and supermarkets make kids more familiar with cigarettes and increase the perception that smoking is popular and socially acceptable. Research shows that young people who over-estimate how many people smoke are more likely to take up the habit themselves.

 

Enthusiastic local youths will be around Cameron Street Mall, Whangarei, at lunchtime on Thursday and will present a ‘Thumb Print’ banner petition to Northland MPs. A signature petition that will be presented to Parliament will be available for the public to sign in the Mall from 10am to 2pm. Local youth and health workers are hoping the community will put their weight behind the campaign.

 

Copies of the petition can be signed at Cancer Society, 73 Kamo Road, Kensington and Northland DHB, Dairy House reception (Cnr Porowini Ave and Tarewa Road).

 

An opinion survey conducted by the Cancer Society of New Zealand and anti-smoking group ASH earlier this year found that two thirds of adult New Zealanders support a total ban on cigarette displays.

World Smokefree Day was first held by the World Health Organisation in 1988, and was first observed nationally in New Zealand in 1998. It is an opportunity for smokefree promoters and advocates to work collaboratively to progress tobacco control in their region.

 

This year’s theme, “Smokefree…it’s about us / Kia Auahi Kore mo tatou te kaupapa”  focuses on the importance of a smokefree future for our young people.

 

-Ends-

For further information or to obtain photos please contact:

Clare Blackburn, Communications Manager

Northland District Health Board 

Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 3315

 

Bridget Rowse, Smokefree Coordinator

Northland District Health Board

Phone (09) 430 4101 ext 7908                                                                                                                       

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Sally McGunnigle-Trail, Health Promoter

Cancer Society

Phone (09) 437 5593

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