ICCfailing onsmoke-free CBD,says healthadviser

• Published date: 18 April 2024
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand)

That was a key message from the National Public Health Service policies adviser Laura Pope on Friday, when she gave a presentation to the Invercargill City Council during its long-term plan hearing

In June 2020, the council approved a policy to make a number of public areas smoke-free in the hope it would promote a healthier environment and reduce young people’s exposure to the activity.

That included the CBD, where the council said it would target signage.

But Ms Pope said that had appeared to go by the wayside in the wake of recent upgrades.

‘‘You have worked hard to create an environment in the city centre that promotes healthy behaviours and attitudes towards smoking and vaping, to create a space that is safe for whānau.

‘‘We feel the smoke-free, vape-free CBD is no longer well-recognised in Invercargill, and feel the messaging needs to be better promoted.’’

Ms Pope said the council should implement signage throughout the CBD, and strongly suggested promotional work be undertaken to make the community aware.

‘‘Since the council have improved the landscape of Esk St...