June 01, 2017
Smokefree plan adds to stress
A Maori health researcher says a decision by the New Zealand Defence Force to be smokefree by 2020 is part of a trend of discrimination against smokers that will leave many Maori without jobs and homes.
Marewa Glover says banning smoking on defence bases and homes will tell smokers, who include a large number of Maori, that they aren't welcome in the military.
She says it's in line with policies promoted by public health and tobacco control advocates of higher prices and social exclusion, which over the past decade have failed to make a dent in Maori, Pasifika and low income smoking levels.
"They believe the more you whip a person and hurt them, eventually they will crack and stop smoking. That is not how addiction works and it is not showing any understanding of the pressures people feel every day. Smoking unfortunately is one of the cheapest forms of stress relief. It also helps people suppress their hunger," Dr Glover says.
She says almost half of Maori women aged 18 to 34 smoke, which could affect their prospects of getting jobs and rental houses.
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