Draft Smokefree and VapeFree Rangitikei Policy
Rangitikei District Council is consulting on the Draft Smokefree and Vapefree Rangitikei Policy.
The Policy
Council has a statutory obligation under the Public Health Act 1956 ‘to improve, promote and protect public health within its district’. The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 covers Council’s workplaces but does not extend to outdoor areas under Council control.
Smoking tobacco is the leading cause of lung cancer. The incidence of smoking in the Rangitīkei District is higher than the national average.
Vaping is one way in which smokers can end their addiction, but its long-term effects are unknown. However, unlike Australia, the availability of vapes in New Zealand is not confined to pharmacies. Vaping is being promoted to nonsmokers and sometimes leads to people starting smoking.
Most councils in New Zealand have such a policy.
What does the Policy do?
- Prohibits smoking and vaping in all Council-owned or controlled parks, playgrounds, reserves, skateparks, swimming pools, bus stops, and beaches.
- Prohibits smoking and vaping in all Council owned or controlled facilities including when hired or occupied by other people.
- Prohibits smoking and vaping in all footpath dining areas in town centres and within four metres on footpaths adjacent to Council building entrances.
- Allows Council’s Chief Executive to establish a designated area for Council staff who are smokers or vapers.
- Requires all Council-funded events to be smokefree and vapefree.
- Anticipates Council working alongside agencies like Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand, the Cancer Society and the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation to discourage smoking and vaping.
Submissions
Written submissions from the community are open until 5pm Monday 1 July 2024.
Anyone who makes a written submission may also make an oral submission. If you wish to make an oral submission please indicate this on your submission form.
Further information
Further information including the draft proposal and submission form is available at the following places:
- Councils libraries in Marton, Bulls, and Taihape
- Councils Main Office in Marton
- By calling 0800 422 522