<p>Research conducted by Whakauae Research for M&#257;ori Health and Development (Whanganui), and led by Dr Heather Gifford, highlights M&#257;ori public health workers and advocates attitudes towards Smokefree Outdoor Policies (SFOP). M&#257;ori leadership in creating smokefree outdoor environments was marked by the emergence, in the 1990s, of the auahi kore marae movement. While more needs to be done to ensure all marae are smokefree, the remaining challenges have not stopped M&#257;ori seeking to make other areas, of particular relevance to M&#257;ori, smokefree. Sites of cultural significance and sports and cultural events are now accepted by many as being auahi kore with M&#257;ori netball, Kapa Haka and Matariki identified in the research as being flagships for promoting smokefree outdoors. M&#257;ori leadership driving this kaupapa was identified as largely coming from the M&#257;ori health provider sector, with a strong call to strengthen iwi leadership. Messages clearly need to be positive, involve smokers and focus on protecting future generations.</p>

<p>&ldquo;This research supports an approach to Smokefree Outdoor Policies which inspires wh&#257;nau with a positive message&rdquo; says Zoe Hawke, General Manager for the National Tobacco Control Advocacy Service at H&#257;pai Te Hauora. &ldquo;The sector can take the feedback from this study and use it to inform effective community activation among M&#257;ori in support of Smokefree Outdoor Policies. For example, we encourage a tamariki-first perspective on this issue. We understand that some smokers feel individually targeted and marginalised by smoke free messages, but even the most die-hard of smokers would agree that protecting our tamariki is a positive thing.&rdquo; An ex-smoker herself, Hawke admits the potential impact of second-hand smoke on her own children was a major driver in her journey to quitting. &ldquo;Protecting our tamariki by ensuring the environments they live, work and play in are free from harmful second-hand smoke just makes good sense.&rdquo;</p>

<p><a href="/uploads/files/SFOP%20Maori%20paper%20Final%20Hapai%20July%202017.pdf" target="_blank">Read the full report here.</a></p>

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<h4>Contact:</h4>

<p><strong>Zoe Hawke</strong></p>

<p>Hapai Te Hauora</p>

<p>General Manager</p>

<p>National Tobacco Control</p>

<p>029 279 4543</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Dr. Heather Gifford</strong></p>

<p>Whakauae Limited</p>

<p>Director</p>

<p>021 243 7409</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h4>Alternative contact:</h4>

<p><strong>Emma Espiner</strong></p>

<p>Hapai Te Hauora</p>

<p>National Communications Lead</p>

<p>021 151 488</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>About H&#257;pai Te Hauora</h3>

<p>H&#257;pai are national leaders in Public Health, Policy and Advocacy, Research and Evaluation and Infrastructure services. H&#257;pai provide a strategic focus that is underpinned by evidence based research for the advancement of health and wellbeing for communities.</p>

<p>The Mission of H&#257;pai is to increase opportunities for M&#257;ori, and all others to enjoy good health and to be sustained by healthy environments. One of their core areas of work is Tobacco Control, where H&#257;pai facilitate engagement between a wide range of policy makers/decision makers/influencers/communities to progress Smokefree 2025.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.hapai.co.nz" target="_blank">Visit their website here</a></p>

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