Old habits are dying hard, and Māori remain at the forefront of smoking statistics and being diagnosed with cancer as a result. Statistics show the average age of those taking up smoking is 14. The NZ Cancer Foundation and the smoking cessation section of Hāpai Te Hauora, Te Ara Hā Ora, have joined forces, to tackle the source of the problem.
A recent Government push to have NZ smoke free by 2025 means the road ahead for this group of cessation experts will be a bumpy one, given legislation around access and supply is limited at best.
The NZ Cancer Foundation and Hāpai Te Hauora, have called in experts from around the Pacific and Australia, in the hope that greater information and understanding will help produce better results.