The Cancer Society of New Zealand has launched a new
campaign to remind New Zealanders of our heroic Smokefree
journey and commitment to our Smokefree goal.
The
campaign centres on a visual created by editorial cartoonist
and illustrator Jeff Bell that depicts New Zealand’s
ambitious goal of Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 represented by a
mountain. It shows a kiwi, tui, kākāpō and pūteketeke
ascending it, ready to stake a Smokefree flag when they
reach the summit.
“They say a picture paints a
thousand words,” says Cancer Society Chief Executive Dr
Rachael Hart, “and we are stoked to have Jeff bring to
life a striking cartoon to remind us of our collective goal.
That peak is achieving a Smokefree Aotearoa for all New
Zealanders.
“The birds are close to the summit
because New Zealand has a long, proud Smokefree journey and
we have come a long way. However, we haven’t made it yet,
and some of us are further behind than others. We need bold
and brave action to stay on track and achieve our
goal.”
The Cancer Society hopes politicians will
hear this message loud and clear through a postcard sent to
all Members of Parliament and displayed on outdoor
advertising around the Beehive, featuring the feathered
mountain-climbing party.
The campaign is in response
to the Government’s plans to repeal the Smokefree
Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco)
Amendment Act (SERPA).
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“The National Party has
promised New Zealanders action that will get us ‘back on
track’,” says Dr Hart. “We already had a track to
achieve a Smokefree Aotearoa with SERPA. We are asking the
Government, ‘If not SERPA, what will you do to get us on
track to that goal?’”
Dr Hart says the Cancer
Society wants to see a future free from cancers caused by
tobacco and believes a “business as usual” approach will
not get all New Zealanders to Smokefree
2025.
“Interventions that focus mainly on
individuals, such as offering cessation support, are
important but will not achieve a Smokefree Aotearoa on their
own. We need bold and brave measures that make tobacco less
available, less addictive and that protect future
generations from the harm caused by this deadly
product.”
Mr Bell says he was happy to be involved
in this project with the Cancer Society as it was a topic
“close to his heart”.
“I lost my mum to a
smoking-related illness last year, so I’m aware of the
pain and sense of loss that smoking causes many
families.
“I thought climbing an alpine mountain was
a strong metaphor. We’ve got a history of leading from the
front in New Zealand, and I think a stronger commitment to
Smokefree Aotearoa is such a worthwhile
goal.”
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