Stop smoking challenge open

Is it time to quit smoking? Take up the challenge.

Applications are still open to take part in the latest WERO Challenge, with hapu mothers being encouraged to take part.

Toia Lucas-Walden, of Korowai Aroha, is the regional co-ordinator for WERO for Te Arawa, Tuwharetoa and Kawerau region and, along with expectant mothers, was urging work places, marae, kohanga reo groups, sport clubs and individuals to join.

WERO is a stop smoking competition for teams of 10 run over three months.

Korowai Aroha and Tipu Ora work can help provide nicotine gum with advice from the Aukati Kaipaipa (Quit Smoking) team.

"WERO has a holistic, whanau approach to it and if one person in their whanau gives up, the whole whanau succeeds," she said. On offer was a basket of goodies for the babies of hapu women taking part and teams could win up to $6000 for a non-profit organisation or charity of their choice.

"It has been an absolute transformation for those who have previously taken part in WERO, they've felt great and are looking great, they feel powerful and are more confident. The former smokers are no longer segregated," she said.

"We want to get our hapu mothers feeling powerful and make sure when they have a pepi, they are in good condition."

For more information contact Mrs Lucas-Walden on 021 552 959 or toia@korowai.org.nz