Choosing healthier options to smoking are Youth Guarantee Fitness tauira playing basketball.

Next month, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (TWoA) will mark the third year of our organisation being smokefree.

Kaimahi who still have the habit are being asked to consider quitting – or at least obey the rules of the auahi kore policy TWoA kaimahi must abide by.

Subject Matter Expert Pua Moe Awa Phillips reminded kaimahi that the auahi kore policy meant all TWoA property and vehicles – including privately-owned vehicles on TWoA grounds are smokefree at all times.

She said the policy also extended to kaimahi wearing branded clothing and if staff are smoking offsite that any TWoA branding on their clothing is covered or hidden.

Next week it’s World Smokefree Day and the theme in Aotearoa is “it’s about whānau”.

Pua said now was a good opportunity for kaimahi to get help to quit smoking through the Once and For All smoking cessation programme, which TWoA is working alongside.

“This is a national programme that anyone can enrol in,” says Pua.

“A quit coach is allocated to you. They also provide nicotine replacement therapy and help you with one-on-one services or in group sessions to help you become auahi kore - and to motivate you to stay that way.”

The quit coaches also measure carbon monoxide levels of those trying to quit during meetings through breath devices.

“If you are still smokefree four weeks after your quit date you receive a $50 voucher,” says Pua.

“And if you are pregnant you can receive up to $300 in vouchers.”