Council's proposed Smokefree and Vapefree Policy 2023 supports the objectives of Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 and promoting a Smokefree and Vapefree Ruapehu District.
Have your say before Friday 29 September.
What areas will be smoke and vape free?
If adopted the following public places will become smoke and vape free across the entire Ruapehu District:
- All council owned and/or managed parks and reserves (including council owned playgrounds, skate parks, sports fields, swimming complexes, walking and cycle tracks and leased areas).
- All bus stops and shelters.
- All Council-owned public toilets.
- Outside the entrances/exits of Council-owned and operated buildings.
- All public car parks.
- Outdoor public areas within the central business districts of the townships in the Ruapehu District.
- All footpath dining areas within the central business districts of the townships of the Ruapehu District.
- All Council-delivered events and events that receive Council funding or support. Event organisers will also be required to display and announce smokefree and vapefree messages in advertising and at the event.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars with a licence to use the footpath for their outdoor dining would need to make sure those spaces are smokefree and vapefree.
How will the Policy be implemented?
To implement this policy Council will:
- Make smokefree and vapefree signage/stickers available.
- Display signage with smokefree and vapefree messaging at Council buildings, facilities and parks and reserve areas as signage needs to be renewed or replaced.
- On review, Council documents (e.g., reserve management plans), will make references to smokefree and vapefree public places.
- On review, community leases and licences will require the leased or licenced premises to be smokefree and vapefree.
- Include a ‘no smoking/vaping on premises’ clause in the Council’s terms and conditions for hiring and Council venue.
- Include a smokefree and vapefree requirement in all funding agreements / contracts as they are renegotiated/renewed.
How will the Policy be enforced?
Council is not proposing to actively enforce the Policy. Compliance will be encouraged via education and promoting smokefree and vapefree behaviour in a positive manner.
More info and giving feedback
A copy of the Statement of Proposal outlining the full proposed Policy can viewed or downloaded from the Document Links panel below. A Statement of Proposal can also be picked-up from your local Council office.
The Statement of Proposal includes a feedback section on the back page.
Feedback can be also be given online via the link below.
