Hanmer Springs staying smokefree

Hanmer Springs will continue its smoke and vape-free initiative after a successful six-month trial.

The trial in the North Canterbury tourism hotspot’s central village ran from February to August. It was a joint initiative by the Cancer Society, the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) and the Hanmer Springs Community Board, with support from the Hurunui District Council. Survey findings released this week showed visitors were the most supportive of the smokefree initiative, despite initial concern from local businesses about the effect on tourism.

Of the 681 visitor responses,

90 per cent supported going smokefree permanently, while

83 per cent said it should be smoke and vape-free.

When asked about their likelihood of visiting smoke or vapefree areas elsewhere in New Zealand, 5 per cent said they would be less likely to visit, which roughly equated to the number of smokers in the surveyed group.

Of 222 residents surveyed,

70 per cent supported a move to a permanent smokefree area, with

67 per cent supporting smoke and vape-free.

Of 222 residents surveyed, 70 per cent supported a move to a permanent smokefree area.

Cancer Society health promotion adviser Cheryl Ford said that while the trial had not eliminated smoking or vaping from the township completely, there had been a marked reduction.

Nine recommendations were made to the council, which included a potential no smoking or vaping clause for businesses leases in the zone with outdoor dining areas. Several councillors felt this was too heavy-handed for a voluntary initiative, and while most agreed to support the trial being made permanent, some expressed concern over how much it would cost. It was decided the council would support the move to make the voluntary smokefree zone permanent but leave the implementation to the community board.

The recommendations will be taken into consideration when the district’s outdoor smoking strategy, which covers parks and reserves, is reviewed next year.