Hokianga marae goes smokefree

Hokianga's Morehu Marae supports smokers stopping before they start.

Morehu Marae has taken a stand to further ensure the survival of its descendants by becoming the first marae in Pawarenga to go auahi kore - smokefree.

The committee celebrated its adoption of its auahi kore marae policy early this month in a bid to celebrate the health of its people and send a clear message to smokers to stop before they start.

The policy comes on the back of the successful Wero stop smoking programme implemented by Te Hiku Hauora in the community last year. Of the ten smokers who took part, seven stopped for good.

They have gone on to further support whanau in the area to stop and build an auahi kore movement within the community that is gaining steady traction, with the support of Hauora Hokianga and other Te Taitokerau smoking cessation services.

Marae secretary Rongo Bentson says the policy is a natural progression from the marae leading the charge with para kore and waipiro kore kaupapa in the past to better support the health of its people and environment.

And it's clear the kaupapa is close to the community's heart with many marae members sharing stories of loved ones who have succumbed to smoking-related illnesses.

"For the future generation and the health of our young people - this is what the kaupapa is all about.

"If you don't have some measures or some level of commitment to our people that we're trying to help them, then we're failing. I'd rather fail trying than not try at all," says committee member Frank Herbert.

Another member Hepa Stephens says the policy has been launched as an expression of aroha with the ultimate goal of retaining the marae as a central place where good health is normal.

"We want to make our marae a place where everyone can learn our tikanga and our reo, and enjoy good health. The marae is the place for that," he said.

There has been some preliminary resistance from some sections of the community and the committee is looking at ways to be sensitive and empathetic to smokers' needs while retaining the integrity of the marae policy.

But for now, it's a cause for celebration says Hauora Hokianga smoking cessation practitioner Pat Dargaville.

"This is a big thing. To have Morehu Marae be the first in Pawarenga to take up the policy is excellent. It sends a great message to whanau and the kaupapa is, do you want to stay around a bit longer for your mokos?" she said.