|
Resolution number OP/2016/109
MOVED
by Chairperson E Collins, seconded by Member MA Gush:
That
the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local
Board:
a) note
that the review of the Smoke-free Policy 2013 has been postponed to 2017.
b) send
the board’s answers to the questions posed in the review, as set out below,
to the Social Policy and Bylaws Unit, to help to shape the review when it
resumes and to provide a starting point for the board to respond in the new
term.
c) answer
the six questions as follows:
i. The
policy is not considered to be very effective. The policy is comprehensive
but lacking in resources for implementation. Concern is also felt that as a
purely voluntary policy, there is a limit to what could be done.
ii. The
board has paid for smoke-free signs in public places, and invested in
portable banners with smoke-free messages in several languages that are
displayed at board sponsored events. The board has imposed conditions on
events that it has sponsored, community grants and leases to be subject to
smoke-free requirements.
iii. The
policy has not assisted the board much to date, apart from the regionally
co-ordinated production of signage, which may have produced some cost
savings.
iv. Barriers
to implementation include the low implementation effort across the region,
and the fact that it is a purely voluntary policy.
v. The
board recommends improving the policy by:
• identifying
a council department to take ownership and implementation
• developing
a regional communications and engagement plan to raise awareness and make
smoking a topic of focus
• funding
local boards from regional budgets e.g. for appropriate signage and litter
control, as well as local promotion
• infusing
into all council activities and procurement contracts, including facilities,
events, lease agreements, services and funding contracts
• ensuring
outdoor areas of all council service properties (e.g. 35 Graham Street) are
smoke-free with appropriate signage displayed
• making
a smoke-free bylaw to restrict smoking in particular locations. This could be
regional, or a series of local bylaws. (The existence and threat of a bylaw
is expected to induce smokers to change their behaviour, without having to be
enforced too rigorously against individuals who are already disadvantaged)
• working
with the most at risk groups, Māori and Pasifika peoples, to help them
to quit smoking. A starting point for this would be to engage with
appropriate mana whenua, mataawaka, and Pasifika groups, to develop
strategies.
vi. Local
boards, including Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board, subject to funding can:
• continue
to make their funding of local community grants, events and leases subject to
smoke-free requirements
• fund
smoke-free signage, litter bins, and publicity when opportunities arise
• promote
smoke-free messages in ongoing ways, such as by including by-lines in local
board communications
• consider
adopting a “Smoke-free Policy Local Commitment” detailing how it will promote
smoke-free ideas, and take advice on the case for a local smoke-free bylaw
and a targeted rate to clean up problem litter areas.
CARRIED
|
