NZ 2020 Smokefree vision - NZ Youth Parliament

Young people lead the way


The Cancer Society of New Zealand congratulates members of the New Zealand Youth Parliament for

their active and open approach to tobacco control, and commitment to New Zealand’s 2020 Smokefree

vision.

New Zealand Youth Parliament, which is co-ordinated by the Ministry of Youth Development every three

years, gives young people, who are selected by members of Parliament, an opportunity to take part in

debates held in Chamber and hold youth select committee meetings. The select committees conduct

inquiries on issues that affect young people in New Zealand.

The Health Select Committee of this year’s Youth Parliament (6 and 7 July) is going to debate smoking

and address an inquiry into creating a Smokefree generation of young New Zealanders by 2020.

Today young people are definitely at the forefront of the battle against smoking and recognising this, the

Cancer Society of New Zealand started working with young people back in 2006/07. The Smokefree Youth

Ambassador project empowers young people to take action and raise awareness, especially in regard to

tobacco displays which are a potent promotional tool for tobacco companies. The Smokefree Youth

Ambassador project is still going strong and young people are aware, more than ever, of the harms of

smoking.

And the best news is - the rates of smoking among young people are lower than at any other time in

recent history. The New Zealand Youth 2000 and Youth 2007 studies (Adolescent Health Research Group

2003 - 2008) of over 8,000 secondary students identified that 92% were smoke-free and only 8% of

students reported smoking cigarettes weekly, or more often, in 2007, compared to 16% in 2001. Fewer

students had tried smoking cigarettes - down from 52% in 2001, to 32% in 2007.

Last week a group of young people presented very strongly and passionately to the Māori Affairs Select

Committee inquiry into the tobacco industry in Aotearoa and the consequences of tobacco use for Māori.

They talked about the personal impact their parents and grandparents’ smoking had on their whanau.

The young people said that non-smoking has become the norm in their schools and they want our

politicians and communities to hear their voices and take strong action against this deadly poison.

It is certain our young people have taken this battle very seriously and with their awareness and actions a

Smokefree New Zealand, in the near future, doesn’t seems out of reach anymore.

For further information: Lynne St.Clair Chapman

National Communications Manager 04 4947195 or mob 027 4444 150