Kai Whakahaere - Zoe Martin-Hawke
E te iwi tēnā koutou
Summer has nearly arrived and the time for lazy hazy days at the beaches and rivers is just around the corner. A kaupapa of Te Waka Tūpeka Kore is manaaki taiao. Caring for our environment is a major focus for us as Māori. Unfortunately what we do know is that every cigarette butt that gets thrown on the ground pollutes the soils or leaches into the rivers and these contaminants eventually reach the ocean. While we acknowledge tobacco impacts our tinana, we often forget to acknowledge the harm that tobacco has on our environment. Therefore while we are enjoying our time frolicking at the beach or rivers, be mindful of the fact that tobacco can have a much greater impact than our physical wellbeing.
Also be aware that there is a tax campaign going on and we want community support. At this stage there is no certainty about whether there will be further increases in the tobacco excise tax after 2016. The research is very clear. Smoking rates are extremely price sensitive and tobacco tax is the most effective method to decrease smoking rates. The most ideal scenario would be to demonstrate that smokers themselves would support tax hikes. This will require community involvement and a community voice. For more information on Tobacco Tax go to the following link.
Its also worth noting that the 4th of December is the deadline for submissions on the draft update of the New Zealand Health Strategy. Currently the draft strategy does not seem to talk to our 2025 goal and tobacco is only mentioned very briefly. Obesity , alcohol and mental health is the major focus. It would be great if we could write a submission or complete the survey monkey the Ministry has set up to ensure a stronger voice on tobacco control is heard. The draft strategy can be read here.
I am also mindful that everyone has been busy on the ROI process, and are waiting for RFP processes to begin. We would just like to wish everyone good luck. Despite the uncertainties of the future we encourage everyone not to lose focus on what is really important now. Our whānau still need our support and assistance.
Ko te pae tawhiti, whāia kia tata, ko te pae tata, whakamaua kia tina!
