Central Otago children will be able to breathe easier in the region's playgrounds from today as a smoke-free policy takes effect in all playgrounds administered by the Central Otago District Council.
The policy, a joint initiative between the Cancer Society and Southern PHO, was mooted last year and received formal CODC backing earlier this year, Southern PHO health promotion co-ordinator Sarah Berger said.
Smoke-free signs were being installed at all playgrounds administered by CODC, allowing children to play in a "healthier outdoor environment'', Miss Berger said.
It was hoped the policy would help "denormalise'' smoking in public places, encourage positive role modelling for children and reduce youth uptake of smoking, she said.
The policy would not be legally enforced but would instead "be based on education through the use of signage''. Research showed this was the most effective way to prevent smoking in outdoor places, Miss Berger said.
"I think smokers do tend to respect signs.''
Local consultation had shown 92% of respondents had favoured smoke-free playgrounds, and 77% were in favour of smoke-free sportsgrounds, Cancer Society health promotion co-ordinator Diana Power said.
"We are delighted that the CODC has taken this first positive step and the next step will be to push for the district's sportsgrounds to be smoke-free,'' Mrs Power said.
About 30 councils in New Zealand had already adopted smoke-free policies and many covered sportsgrounds, open reserves, stadiums and public events, she said.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) adopted a smoke-free policy for its playgrounds and swimming pools in about 2004, QLDC community services manager Paul Wilson said.
The policy was administered through signs but not enforced, he said.
