Quitting tobacco is never easy, but 20 Karikari Peninsula residents have proved that it can be done, and they've been handsomely rewarded.
Apart from protecting their health and saving money, they've taken out first and second places in a competition (the WERO Challenge) involving 22 teams of 10 from around Tai Tokerau and Ngati Kahungunu (Hawke's Bay).
Each team member was committed to quitting for three months, and the two teams from Whatuwhiwhi (under the names of their hapu, Te Rorohuri and Te Whanau Moana) did better than any of the others, in the process winning $7000 for their marae.
They received their prizes in Kaitaia last week, and on Sunday gathered at Whatuwhiwhi for a celebratory barbecue.
Coach Caroline Snowden praised both teams for their commitment and determination, from the time they made the decision to quit until the conclusion. Persistence paid off, she said, most having to push themselves to get through moments of pressure, but the struggle to remain smokefree was still a tough one.
