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Smokers can use their cigarette breaks this weekend to contemplate accepting the Wero challenge.
The next intake for the smoke-free competition closes on Tuesday.
Wero national manager Kathrine Clark says it is proving effective in its aim to bring down Maori and Pasifika smoking rates, with about 35 percent of competitors smoke free after three months.
Teams in different regions are pitted against each other, with the teams coming up with their own quit smoking programme, which typically includes an element of physical fitness and regular team catch-ups.
Most teams also access some form of nicotine replacement therapy.
The $5000 prize goes to the winning team’s favourite charity, community group or marae project.
Ms Clark says Wero works because it is a peer support programme that is effective for Maori and Pasifika, who are more likely to live and circulate in smoking environments than other groups of New Zealanders.
The challenge gives them to opportunity to create a small virtual smoke-free community.
Find our more about WERO at wero.me
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