Playgrounds, parks and sports fields Smokefree

Kaipara and Far North council contractors have recently erected ‘Smokefree at all times’ signs in all Kaipara and Far North sports grounds, playgrounds and parks, making the new Smokefree policy official.

Council says the focus has been on public education.

“Signs and publicity will encourage the public to maintain a clean, healthy environment in neighbourhood parks, playgrounds and sports grounds – areas primarily used by children,” says Mark Vincent, Kaipara District Council policy/planning manager.

Mr Vincent says they don’t want to make people feel bad about smoking, but rather want them to feel proud about not smoking. 

“It’s not about punishing people who smoke.” 

According to government figures, 73% of families with young children support smokefree outdoor areas used by children. Expanding Smokefree areas is expected to help make non-smoking normal, reduce how often people are seen smoking in a public place, support other smokefree environments or programmes, and contribute towards reducing the number of young people starting to smoke.

Kaipara and Far North District Councils join Whangarei District Council whose playgrounds and sports grounds went Smokefree in September 2010 and neighbourhood parks in September 2011.