Auckland regional parks go smoke-free

Auckland's 40,000 hectares of regional parks have become smokefree zones, with plans to extend the ban to include all city parks next year.

Auckland Councillor Sandra Coney says the policy is about ensuring children going to the parks are not exposed to smoking.

She says while it is not likely there will be smoking wardens in the parks enforcing the bans, smokers will be put off by social pressure.

Councillor Coney "if somebody's annoying them smoking, they might just say 'excuse me, do you know this is a no smoking zone'?"

A growing number of outdoor facilities have become smokefree zones in recent years, including Auckland Zoo, Mt Smart Stadium, Eden Park and playgrounds, skate parks and sports fields used by children in Manukau and Waitakere.

A previously unpublished survey released to local medias by the Health Sponsorship Council shows more than two thirds of New Zealanders find smoking unacceptable at outdoor sports fields or courts, double the support of eight years ago.

Councillor Coney believes the move to smokefree parks is a logical step, adding "regional parks are family friendly havens, with playgrounds, bush walks, beaches and picnic sites. Promoting smokefree parks sets a positive example to our younger park visitors. The last thing you need when enjoying the clean air and natural beauty of our parks is the waft of someone else's smoking."

Coney also said the ban would reduce the number of cigarette butts littering parks and reduce the risk of fires, also stating "we need to protect our forested and coastal areas and a carelessly thrown butt can have catastrophic effects in the dry summer months."

John Loof, Chief Executive of the Cancer Society Auckland, is delighted at the stance taken by Auckland Council, adding "our regional parks are beautiful, wide open spaces that belong to the people of Auckland, we're thrilled that everyone can now enjoy the great outdoors without being exposed to passive smoke."

New Zealand laws ban smoking in the buildings and grounds of schools and early childhood centres and indoors at all workplaces.

For more information go to www.arc.govt.nz/parks/

17th June 2010 - OPEN ACCESS PLAYGROUND LAUNCHED IN AUCKLAND 

29th May 2010 - SMOKING BAN AT AUCKLAND ZOO