June 19, 2013
Kindy stubs out tobacco
A Hamilton bilingual early childhood centre has become the first in New Zealand to become tūpeka kore or tobacco free.
Bright Stars Educare took the step after a whānau hui hosted by Te Puna Ora, Waikato District Health Board’s Māori health service.
Tūpeka kore is a step on from auahi kore, and requires all whānau and visitors who come onto the premises or attend outings to keep all tobacco out of sight of the children.
Te Puna Ora Manager Ditre Tamatea says tobacco and smoking related diseases are the highest cause of death for Māori, and it is tamariki, mokopuna and whānau who miss out.
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