Whangarei District Council has taken its first step towards having all playgrounds, sports fields and neighbourhood reserves smokefree in the city.
The council has voted to promote the areas as smokefree through signage and publicity, but smokers won't be fined for smoking. Instead, the move is designed to promote the smokefree choice as a way of protecting the environment and children's health, and encouraging it as a lifestyle.
The initiative stemmed from a submission to council last year from Northland District Health Board, Cancer Society Northland, Ngati Hine Health Trust, Manaia PHO, Sport Northland, Kia Ora Ngatiwai, Plunket Northland and Asthma Society Northland which called upon the council to make its reserves smokefree.
Whangarei Parks and Recreation Manager Paul McDonald said the council would be proactive and demonstrate leadership by adopting a policy promoting a smokefree lifestyle.
Under the policy, signs promoting grounds as smokefree will be installed initially at play areas and sports fields, followed by neighbourhood parks.
The signs will be provided by the Northland District Health Board.
