Smoking-related illnesses remain the leading cause of preventable death in Aotearoa. This World Smokefree May, whānau across Aotearoa are beginning their Smokefree journey as part of the That’s Us campaign, led by Hāpai te Hauora.
A Message of Hope for Smokers
“It takes an average of seven attempts to quit smoking. Our message is simple: even if you’ve tried before, give it another go. This time, you’ve got the whole nation behind you,” says Jasmine Graham, National Tobacco Control Manager at Hāpai te Hauora.
Support for Smokefree Journeys
“Whānau who are trying to quit are most successful when supported by a Smokefree practitioner, where they can access Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and tailored support. It’s so important that whānau know these services are available to them in their communities.”
World Smokefree Day 2025
World Smokefree May leads up to the celebration of World Smokefree Day on 31 May, internationally known as World No Tobacco Day.
Raising Awareness and Achieving Smokefree 2025 Goal
World Smokefree May and World Smokefree Day in Aotearoa aim to raise awareness and contribute to achieving the Smokefree 2025 goal, reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, and encourage quit attempts.
Consistency Across the Country
The initiatives also aim to ensure continuity and consistency in messaging and promotion across the country, building on and complementing current tobacco control efforts.
The World Smokefree May Hub
The World Smokefree May website serves as a hub for whānau, organisations, rangatahi, and communities to engage with during the month of May and throughout the Smokefree 2025 campaign.
It promotes sector activities and events nationwide, links to local stop-smoking services, features media releases, and provides digital resources. The website also includes an events page to help people find face-to-face and online events happening around the country.
Celebrating Smokefree Environments
Most New Zealanders are smokefree and support smokefree environments, including smokefree homes, workplaces, and public spaces. These environments are worth celebrating, and the motto
“Tihei manawa ora! Sneeze, the breath of life!” encapsulates the importance of clean air and healthy living.
Supporting Smokefree 2025
Hāpai Te Hauora offers a variety of digital tools and resources to support Smokefree 2025. World Smokefree May is an ideal time to encourage and support friends and whānau on their quit journey.
Quit Smoking Services Map
For those who want to quit smoking or help someone else quit, the stop smoking services map provides details on local organisations that can assist, along with information on how vaping can help some people transition away from smoking.
Visit https://worldsmokefreemay.nz/ for more.
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