The Heart of Hanmer Springs goes Smokefree on Valentine’s

This Valentine’s Day, residents and tourists in Hanmer Springs are being encouraged to give the gift of fresh air, with the launch of a six-month trial adding to the existing smokefree zones.

The initiative, by the Cancer Society, Canterbury District Health Board and the Hanmer Springs Community Board, is being fully supported by the Hurunui District Council. Such initiatives contribute to the goal of Smokefree Aotearoa 2025.

The Hanmer Springs village already asks that people do not smoke in parks, playgrounds and reserves and the trial adds to this. It encourages people to keep key public spaces such as the main street, Amuri Avenue and Conical Hill Road both smokefree and vapefree.

The Cancer Society Health Promotion Advisor, Cheryl Ford, has explained some of the motivation for the initiative.

“Fewer people smoking can make it easier for those who have quit or want to quit because it removes the cues that can trigger a craving,” she said. “While the trial is not a ban, we want people to take the message seriously and make a positive choice to keep public spaces smokefree and vapefree.”

The Cancer Society conducted a survey of local business before the initiative and found the majority (63 percent) supported the concept of a smokefree zone, while a further 13 percent are undecided.

Hanmer Springs Councillor and local business owner Jason Fletcher has highlighted tourism, community health and what’s best for children as some of the reasons behind council support.

“The Smokefree and Vapefree Zone is all about enhancing Hanmer Springs as a place to live and visit,” he said. “This smokefree and vapefree trial helps to set a good example for children and protects our community’s health and the beautiful environment Hanmer Springs is known for.”

Signage and information will be made available to help ensure residents and tourists know where the smokefree and vapefree zone is. The community will also have the opportunity to provide feedback on whether they would like the extended Smokefree and Vapefree Zone to become a permanent feature of the village.

For further information:

Jason Fletcher
Hurunui District Councillor
027 274 7321
Jason.Fletcher@hurunui.govt.nz

Cheryl Ford
Cancer Society Health Promotion Advisor
021 784 555
Cheryl.Ford@cancercwc.org.nz