Waipā to become smoke and vape free

Waipā District Council yesterday adopted a policy which will see public areas across the district become smoke and vape free.

The policy which comes into effect from 1 September 2021, includes Council-owned and managed parks and reserves, bus stops, outdoor public areas including outdoor dining within the central business districts of Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, Ohaupo and Pirongia.

After Tuesday’s deliberations, the policy has also been updated to include road corridors immediately next to education providers in the definition of public places.

Council heard from two submitters, including Cambridge High School’s deputy principal John McDonnell who said he was pleased to see vaping included in the policy.

McDonnell said “Over the last five years, vaping has become an epidemic at schools, leading to non-engagement, non-attendance, nicotine addiction and health and wellbeing issues for students.”

To illustrate the scale of the issue, McDonnell presented Council with a bag full of vaping devices which had been confiscated from students aged 16 and under, which he said was worth over four thousand dollars.

Council received 41 submissions on the policy, with 85 percent in support.

Waipā mayor Jim Mylchreest said the purpose of the policy is to support the Government’s goal of New Zealand becoming smokefree by 2025.

“By de-normalising smoking behaviour in our community we’re signalling the support of this goal.”

The policy will focus on education rather than issuing fines to offenders.

Mylchreest said compliance would be encouraged by promoting smokefree behaviours, as well working with the community, schools and Waikato District Health Board on educational initiatives.

Prior to adopting its policy Waipā was one of only three North Island local authorities not to have a policy in place