Smokefree and vapefree environments on the radar at superlocal conference
Mayor Campbell Barry and Takiri Mai Te Ata Stop Smoking Services Manager Catherine Manning.
A collective effort by Healthy Families NZ, local government, system partners and our communities is integral to the success of achieving a Smokefree and Vapefree Aotearoa.
Last month’s SuperLocal Conference, the biggest local government event in NZ highlighted how councils across Aotearoa could harness local power and knowledge to tackle the unique challenges and opportunities in our cities, districts, and regions.
Healthy Families Hutt Valley supported Takiri Mai Te Ata Stop Smoking Services, Mid-Central DHB and the Cancer Society to exhibit local Smokefree and Vapefree policies at the SuperLocal Conference and demonstrate the driving forces behind local impact and change.
Takiri Mai Te Ata Stop Smoking Services Regional Manager Catherine Manning says that it was the collective impact with Healthy Families Hutt Valley that enabled them to lift their mahi to a national audience.
“This collaboration was an opportunity to advocate for healthier environments alongside community leaders and have a presence at the conference to actively raise conversations with influential leaders in Local Government to keep our smokefree policies on their radar.”
A visual outlining all of the local smokefree and vapefree policies were also shared at the conference to ensure that any smokefree and vapefree kaupapa stays a priority for decision-makers, who have the power to influence lasting change in the health landscape of our communities.
Healthy Families Hutt Valley Practice Lead George Lajpold says there were approximately 140 engagements across the day.
“Our purpose was clear—to champion policies that improves our community’s wellbeing and to boost support for communities and organisations committed to a smokefree and vapefree future for Aotearoa and to reinforce our dedication to promoting healthier, more equitable environments for all.”
To continue building on this momentum, our next steps involve ongoing collaboration with Takiri Mai Te Ata, local councils, and community to ensure these policies create sustainable healthy change for our communities.