Smokefree Policy

Upper Hutt was the first Council in New Zealand to declare our parks smokefree, in 2006.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in New Zealand, with over 5,000 New Zealanders dying every year from tobacco related disease. Non-smokers are at risk too, with 500 deaths per year estimated to be from exposure to second-hand smoke.

Once again, in 2020 we are leading the way to make Upper Hutt healthier by helping reduce smoking.

Council adopted a revised policy(PDF, 104KB) in 2020. 

Smokefree Upper Hutt Policy 

1. Introduction

Upper Hutt City Council is taking a leadership role to ensure that Upper Hutt:

• is a healthy community;
• has a healthy natural environment with clean air, water and land; and
• has a built environment that is attractive, safe, and healthy.

Smokefree outdoor public places contribute toward further de-normalising smoking in Upper Hutt and achieving the goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025. The Smokefree Aotearoa goal is that fewer than 5 percent of New Zealanders will be smokers by 2025. The government approach is that this will be achieved by:

• protecting children from exposure to tobacco marketing and promotion;
• reducing the supply of, and demand for tobacco; and
• providing the best possible support for quitting.

2. Objectives

• further denormalise smoking for children and young people by reducing its visibility in public places;
• contribute to improved health and wellbeing by reducing smoking and the impacts of second-hand smoke.

3. Approach

The Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 prohibits smoking in workplaces and certain public areas, but smoking is not illegal.

Smokefree Upper Hutt contributes to making our city increasingly smokefree. The policy discourages smoking in outdoor public places in Upper Hutt primarily through signage, promotion and marketing, education, and engagement with stakeholders and communities.

4. Smokefree spaces in Upper Hutt

1. Within 20 metres of all parks, reserves and sportsgrounds
2. Within 20 metres of all children’s playgrounds, including skateparks
3. Council-run or Council funded events
4. Bus stops and shelters
5. Train stations
6. Within nine metres of outdoor public areas around Council buildings and facilities
7. Outdoor dining and drinking areas on footpaths
8. Outdoor public areas in the city centre ¹
9. Taxi ranks

1. The city centre refers to the CBD as defined by the Liquor Bylaw

5. Vaping

Vaping products, also known as e-cigarettes, are devices that produce a vapour by heating a solution (e-liquid). Council, through its publicity and communication, asks that people not vape in smokefree spaces or at smokefree events. Signage will include a ‘no vaping’ message where appropriate.

6. Implementation

The policy will be delivered as per the implementation plan, taking a cross-Council approach and working with external partners as appropriate particularly in regard to education and engagement.

The focus for signage is firstly on areas where children and families congregate or socialise, and areas where smoking rates are high. Implementation of the policy includes signage and messaging in Te Reo Māori.

For bus stops, bus shelters, and train stations, Council will work with Greater Wellington Regional Council and other partners to add and renew signage.

7. Review

The implementation of the policy will be reviewed by December 2021, with an official review of the policy by July 2023.

Implementation plan