Smoke-free Wero intake closing

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

The next intake for the smoke-free competition Wero closes today.

The competition, designed to bring down Maori and Pasifika smoking rates, is now in its second year, and continues to indicate significant success.

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, is 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, she said.

"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.

Wero's national manager Kathrine Clarke said regional co-ordinators were key to supporting teams in their areas by linking them to local smoking cessation support services.

"They also keep in touch with teams throughout the three-month duration of the competition.

"Most teams also access some form of nicotine replacement therapy," she said.

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