The Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s decision to adopt a policy to discourage smoking in public areas has gained considerable attention nationwide.

Associate Minister of Health Tariana Turia has commended the Council for taking such a proactive stance by establishing smokefree public spaces, saying it is “good community leadership and role modelling”.

The smokefree policy covers parks, playgrounds, reserves, halls, skate parks, sportsfields and beaches in the western Bay of Plenty area which covers Waihi Beach, Katikati, the Kaimai area, Te Puke, Maketu and Pukehina.

Initiated by the Bay of Plenty Public Heath organisation Toi Te Ora, the smokefree educational policy is one that council was encouraged and keen to adopt.

Smokefree public places have wide support in the community including the Bay of Plenty District Health Board, sporting groups, parenting groups and Maori.

While 23 local bodies in New Zealand already have adopted smokefree policies, the Western Bay District Council is only the third to include beaches under its policy, the other two being Opotiki and Gisborne.

Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor Ross Paterson says the Council hopes the policy will raise awareness of antipathy many people now have toward smoking in public areas such as parks, reserves and playgrounds.

“This is not a ban – Council has no intention of taking any action against people for smoking in public spaces.

“But it is a strong affirmation by this Council to support a smokefree environment and to empower people to ask someone who is smoking to please stop,’’ explains Mr Paterson.

“In light of about 5000 people in New Zealand dying every year from smoking related diseases, our Council sees this as a positive action it can take to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our communities.

“If we can raise the public’s awareness of the dangers of smoking on our children, young people, the environment and our communities in general, then I believe we are fulfilling our role as a responsible local authority.”