With figures showing that fewer New Zealanders are smoking, Te Hā – Waitaha is challenging more Cantabrians to join the trend and give smoking the flick.

Vivien Daley, Canterbury District Health Board Smokefree Manager, says that now is the perfect time to quit. “We know it’s not easy to stop smoking, but with the right support it can be done. And in addition to the wealth of health benefits you can gain, you’ll also give yourself a massive pay rise,” she said.

Increasing numbers of New Zealanders are living smokefree, with the most recent tobacco-use figures show nearly 85 per cent of New Zealanders do not smoke – 4% more than in 2008.

Vivien continued: “With tobacco prices rising by 10 per cent every year until 2020, smoking is getting more expensive. But there’s also more free support than ever before too – so why don’t you join the trend and go smokefree.”

Te Hā – Waitaha is a free stop smoking service which is available to all Cantabrians. While the service provides quality support for all, there is a specific focus on Maori, Pacific, pregnant women and high risk groups.

“Our quit coaches, who are based across Canterbury, can provide support face-to-face, via phone or text, in a group, or on your own,” continued Vivien.

“We share ways to make quitting a little easier including free nicotine replacement products like patches, gum and lozenges and advice on ways to beat the cravings.

“Being smokefree is increasingly normal in New Zealand, so I’m encouraging anyone who wants to give up smoking to take up the challenge this World Smokefree Day. At Te Hā – Waitaha, our job is to make it as easy as possible to stop smoking, and we are more than ready to help people choose to live smokefree.”

Phone 0800 425 700 or register online at www.stopsmokingcanterbury.co.nz if you or someone you know would like help to quit.