Polytechnic to become completely smokefree
From 31 May – World Smokefree Day – Otago Polytechnic will “thank you for not smoking”, anywhere on campus.
The Polytechnic has adopted a policy to become completely smokefree, both indoors and outdoors, “reflecting our commitment to providing a positive, healthy learning environment”, says Chief Executive Phil Ker.
“Otago Polytechnic is all about ‘inspiring capability’ and enabling individuals to achieve great things in their lives. We teach sport, adventure, health and wellbeing, and aim to live our organisational ethic of ‘doing the right thing’. Having a smokefree environment is an outward expression of the values we believe in. We are very proud to be taking a leadership role in creating a healthy place to work and learn.”
The decision is informed by continuing evidence of the horrific toll smoking takes on New Zealanders where 5000 people die from smoking-related illness each year, Maori are disproportionately represented in this figure, it is the country’s most preventable cause of injury and death, and research affirms that the more smoking young people see, the more likely they are to become smokers.
“Given our duties to all of our students and staff, and our particular obligations to youth and Maori, we have become increasingly conscious that tolerating smoking is not a neutral act; it is morally indefensible.”
The move is supported by the Otago Polytechnic Students’ Association executive committee. President Meegan Cloughley comments, “The smokefree policy shows a clear priority for providing a clean, healthy and positive environment for students, so we are very much behind the initiative. For any student with concerns, we are confident that many more will be grateful and relieved.”
The policy change follows several steps in recent years to support non-smokers and smokefree education, including creating smokefree areas around doors and windows, on balconies and within 10 metres of buildings.
The new policy takes this commitment further, creating a “clear, unambiguous position that is not open to confusion or interpretation.”
Ker points out that the policy is about smoking, not smokers. “We understand people may choose to smoke, but we ask that they do not do so here.” Otago Polytechnic is also increasing the support available to those wishing to quit smoking.
In preparing to implement the policy next month, the Polytechnic invites those with questions to visit www.op.ac.nz/smokefree, where further information can be found, and questions can be posted. “We aim to make this transition as positive as possible for all those who may be affected, so feedback and ideas are very welcome,” Ker says.
Otago Polytechnic joins the first tertiary organisations to implement such a policy, with the University of Auckland becoming totally smokefree in January, and the University of Canterbury currently working towards full implementation of this policy. The initiative has received support from the Cancer Society and ASH (Action on Smoking and Health).
For more information, or to arrange interviews and photographs, please contact:
Phil Ker
Chief Executive
Otago Polytechnic
03 479 6001
Phil.ker
op.ac.nz
Terry Buckingham
Health and Safety Advisor
Otago Polytechnic
03 474 8468
Terry.buckinghamop.ac.nz