Smoke-free Masterton CBD eyed

SMOKE FREE? The main street of Masterton could become a smoke-free zone. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Smokers may soon be unwelcome on Masterton's main street and many other areas when a council policy is reviewed this year.

The Smokefree Network Wairarapa has appealed to Masterton District Council to make the central business district, beaches, cemeteries, public recreation walkways and council-run events smoke-free.

"We are hoping to get the council to extend their existing smoke-free outdoor policy to include predominantly the CBD, Queen St right down to Kuripuni, and outdoor dining areas," said Kit Cohr, heart health advocate for the Heart Foundation Wairarapa.

She and other representatives from Whaiora, The Cancer Society, Regional Public Health, Compass Health and Wairarapa District Health Board make up the network.

On its behalf, she made the submission to the council as part of its annual plan process last month.

Councillors agreed to look at "progressively extending" the present smoke-free zones in its Smokefree Recreation Policy 2009.

They encourage the zones through signage, mainly in places where children frequent, like playgrounds and sportsfields, but it isn't enforceable by law.

The network said more smoke-free areas would reduce the effects of second-hand smoke, help prevent young people from taking it up, support people trying to quit and reduce the environmental impact of cigarette butts.

Second-hand smoke kills about 350 people a year.

Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson, who smokes, said she supported the idea.

"We shouldn't be smoking in areas where [non-smoking] people are exposed to second-hand smoke."

She said the council's intention was to encourage people not to smoke.

"There still must be areas where people can have a cigarette."

Mrs Patterson said she expected the policy would be looked at this year as it is due for a review.

Ms Cohr said the network had canvassed people in Masterton one lunchtime and found many in support. Even some smokers were supportive, particularly those trying to quit, she said.

"It's not just to prevent second-hand smoke, it is also the fact that smokers who see other people smoking, it's a trigger for them. We hear all the time about how smokers want to quit, we need to help them."

According to 2013 Census data, the number of Masterton people smoking has reduced since the last Census in 2006.

But 3348 people, or 18 per cent of the town's population still smoke, higher than the national average of 15 per cent.

Only one council in New Zealand, Wanganui District Council, has a bylaw which bans smoking in parks.

If breached, smokers can be fined up to $20,000.

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