Smokefree 2025 Taskforce established to support equitable outcomes for Māori

News article

09 December 2021

The Ministry of Health has established a new Māori advisory taskforce to provide assurance that equitable outcomes for Māori are achieved during the implementation of the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Action Plan.

The Ministry launched the action plan today to eliminate the harm smoked tobacco products cause our communities by transforming Aotearoa to a smokefree nation by 2025.

The taskforce comprises Dame Tariana Turia DNZM; Hāpai Te Hauora Chief Executive Officer, Selah Hart; former Te Tai Tokerau MP, Hone Harawira; Research Evaluation Consultancy Director, Nan Wehipeihana; and Executive Director of Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora, Donna Matahaere-Atariki (MNZM).

Based across Aotearoa New Zealand, taskforce members will provide critical insights, expertise and local knowledge to help the smokefree actions respond to needs and opportunities at both community and regional levels.

The taskforce will fulfil an evaluation, monitoring and reporting role and keep the Ministry of Health, Government, and tobacco control sector on task and accountable to the actions in the plan.

Population Health and Prevention Group Manager Jane Chambers says: “As our smokefree progress gains momentum, establishing our taskforce represents a key milestone. The taskforce members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to this important mahi. We have the privilege of working with internationally recognised tobacco control leader Dame Tariana Turia who has committed her life’s work to courageously championing the smokefree cause.”

From programme planning, to maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders in the tobacco control space, the taskforce will bring robust leadership to the action plan.

The taskforce will also work with the Māori Health Authority once established, given the close alignment of their work.
 

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