The latest regional Smokefree Coalition hui, hosted by Ngā Uru Kahika (Waiariki rohe), brought together representatives from Eastern and Western Bays, Tairāwhiti, and Rotorua to discuss progress and challenges in tobacco control.
A key concern emerging from the hui was the significant decline in referrals to quit smoking services, with coalition members identifying several contributing factors.
Healthy Families Rotorua systems innovator, Teteira Ormsby, says the decline reflects broader shifts in smoking and vaping habits.
“We’re seeing fewer people accessing quit services, which suggests that smoking rates may be dropping, but it also raises questions about whether people are getting the right support to quit,” he said. “Vaping has become a major substitute for many, and some don’t see the need for help, even if they want to stop.”
Teteira says that prevention remains a critical aspect of the wider smokefree kaupapa.
“While supporting people to quit is essential, we also need to focus on preventing the uptake of smoking and vaping in the first place. Strengthening education and ensuring our communities, especially rangatahi, have the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions is key to long-term change,” he said.
Coalition members highlighted that reduced awareness and accessibility could also contribute to the referral downturn. A lack of active promotion, fewer referrals from health professionals, and potential barriers such as location and appointment availability may limit engagement with quit services. Additionally, social and economic factors, including the rising cost of living, may mean that quitting smoking is not seen as an immediate priority for many individuals.
Shifts in policy and regulation, such as stricter tobacco laws and the increasing availability of nicotine replacement therapies, were also discussed as possible reasons behind the trend.
“The landscape is changing fast. With new policies and more options for quitting, we need to make sure our services remain visible, relevant, and accessible to those who need them,” says Teteira.
Despite the challenges, coalition members agreed that the clear course of action is increasing awareness of smoking cessation services. Strengthening outreach efforts, improving engagement strategies, and ensuring services are culturally responsive were identified as priorities moving forward.
“The regional Smokefree Coalition hui continues to serve as an essential forum for collaboration, ensuring that smokefree initiatives remain responsive to the needs of communities across the region,” says Teteira.
