Whanganui iwi leader Ned Tapa's decision to give up smoking after 45 years is serving as inspiration for others to kick the habit - no matter how long they've had it.
Tapa, Whanganui District Health Board's kaitakitaki-cultural advisor/educator, has now been smoke-free for 15 months.
"That particular day I had run out of smokes, so then I decided 'that's it - no more'," Tapa said.
"I have always led an active life with sports, hunting, waka ama, rugby, netball and so on, and I was still able to perform these sports.
"Now that I've given up, I can feel the difference in my breathing and recovery rate."