Influencing Smokefree/Vapefree Environments across the Cook Straight

It was just over two years ago when Tobacco Control Programme Lead Kelly Atkinson stumbled across an article from Healthy Families Hutt Valley on systems change, highlighting the work of then Systems Innovator George Lajpold. At that time, vaping had been identified as a key issue and area of interest within Tasman Rugby (staff and players).

Through the practice of storytelling, Kelly was inspired by the content of the article and reached out to gain some insights into the processes and practices that Healthy Families Hutt Valley went through when working with community, in hopes some learnings could be shared and then replicated with Tasman Rugby and in their own rohe.

Systems Innovator Charlotte and Practice Lead George recently travelled to Nelson as kanohi kitea with wider whānau from Te Whatu Ora's Te Tauihu Smokefree and National Health Promotion team, Nelson Bays Primary Health and Tobacco Control. 

Smokefree/Vapefree evening with the Tasman Mako Rugby

Charlotte and George were able to play a part in a Smokefree/Vapefree evening with the Tasman Mako Rugby academy and staff, led by Quit Coach Cheyenne Galiki and Medical Office of Health Sally Thomas.

The seminar had been developed and delivered in response to Tasman Rugby requests for education and support around the Smokefree/Vapefree kaupapa. 

“This provided an opportunity to educate the next generation of young leaders that are going to be looked at as role models in their community. It’s important to pass on the knowledge to those that have the platforms to influence and inspire others to make positive decisions around their own future” says Charlotte.

Like other regions in Aotearoa, the effects of smoking and the rise of vaping have been prevalent in Whakatū.

The visit was a great way to learn and share more about each other’s mahi, identify the possible points of intersection and explore how we can work locally, regionally and nationally on supporting smokefree and vapefree environments and other health promotion initiatives to improve the health equity of all in Aotearoa.