A positively smoke free Taranaki region

You're in a smoke free zone so you'd better think again before lighting up that cigarette.
The Stratford District Council recently joined with the New Plymouth and South Taranaki Disctrict Councils to create New Zealand's first smoke free region.
Taranaki's parks and reserves, council-owned buildings and swimming pools have been declared smoke free in a bid to reduce the amount of second-hand smoke passed on to children and passers-by. The declaration is a philosophical statement, demonstrating council's attitude towards smoking in public places.
Stratford District Council CEO Michael Freeman said this was not an enforcement tool and it would not impact on individuals civil rights.
He said the council was going to erect signs that made their commitment to preserving our clean Taranaki air clearly understood.
Signage will be placed in public parks and playgrounds, making positive statements such as 'For our children's sake, the Stratford District Council thanks you for not smoking in the playground'.
"The public will simply be asked to refrain from smoking and signs will focus on the positive rather than punitive."
Mr Freeman said the policy was not imposing any restriction on personal choice and it was not creating an administrative or enforcement requirement. "We are not imposing any additional costs upon ratepayers."
" We are simply taking a proactive leadership position." Stratford District Councillors discussed the policy and adopted it on August 28.