Base Woodbourne kicks the habit
RNZAF Base Woodbourne has taken the first steps towards becoming smokefree, tackling an ingrained defence force culture, an air force nurse says.
The base, in Marlborough, is one of the first in the country to move to ban smoking, with cadets, officers and staff only permitted to smoke in designated smoking areas. The smoking areas will disappear one by one over the next four years until the entire air force base is smokefree.
RNZAF occupational health nurse Sally Tringham said smoking cigarettes was an ingrained part of military life and changing that mindset was the biggest challenge.
‘‘During the second world war, cigarettes used to be put in the packs sent to the troops to help relieve stress, so of course they came back addicted.’’
The base canteen sold cigarettes until about two years ago, and people could smoke anywhere outside until the base started its smokefree policy in May, she said. Tringham and her colleagues campaigned for the base to become smokefree with help from the Marlborough Smokefree Coalition who provided advice and support.
Nine covered cubicles with ash trays have been put up, each sporting a sign with information about how to quit smoking. Two per cent of the base staff and cadets were smokers, and Tringham suspected the ones who still smoked were the ‘‘hardened’’ smokers who might never give up.
Anyone spotted smoking out- side the designated smoking areas would be reported and spoken to by their superiors, and could face a verbal warning, Tringham said.
RNZAF bases Whenuapai, in Auckland, and Ohakea, near Palmerston North, were also in the process of becoming smokefree, and the air force had set a policy to become completely smokefree by 2020.
To quit smoking, call Quitline on 0800 778 778, or for free local support call Te Hauora o Ngati Rarua on 03 577 8404.