Smokefree Law in New Zealand
Information for schools/kura and early childhood centres/kohanga reo

From 1 January 2004, changes to the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990 (the Act) extended protection for children, young people and workers against exposure to second-hand smoke.

These changes mean that all schools/kura and early childhood centres/kohanga reo must be 100 percent smokefree, inside and outside, at all times.

The management of the school or centre is required to take ‘all reasonably practicable steps’ to ensure that no one smokes on the site of the school or centre at any time, on any day.

Management is also required to take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that signs stating that smoking is forbidden at all times are placed at every entrance to the site and buildings.

For more information, contact a Smokefree Officer at your local public health service.

Resources

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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Resources

A number of resources have been developed to assist schools/kura and early childhood centres/kohanga reo to understand their obligations under the Act.

Pamphlets can be downloaded from this site, while pamphlets, signs and stickers can be ordered from your local health education resource provider. If there is not a local health education resource provider in your area, contact a Smokefree Officer at your local public health service.

In addition, the website www.smokefreeschools.org.nz contains information and resources to help schools/kura make a commitment to a healthy smokefree environment. The site includes information for school management, teachers and students.

The following resources are particularly relevant to schools:

Information for schools and early childhood centres pamphlet

Smokefree – At all times sticker for schools and EECs, back adhesive

Smokefree – At all times sticker for schools and EECs, front adhesive

Auahi kore - I nga ka watoa sticker for schools and EECs, back adhesive

Auahi kore - I nga ka watoa sticker for schools and EECs, front adhesive

General guide to the Smoke-free Environments Act 1990

Smokefree at all times/Auahi kore i nga wa katoa metal signs for entrances to school/kura grounds and buildings. These can be purchased in English and te reo Maori from the Health Sponsorship Council.

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FAQs

What will the key changes be to the smokefree status of places where children learn?

What will the smokefree provisions be for schools and early childhood centres?

What will the smokefree provisions be for other places where young children learn?

Which places of learning for children will not be required to be smokefree?

Will the smoking ban apply to tertiary institutions?

Will schools still need to have written policies on smoking?

How will schools and early childhood centres comply with the smokefree provisions?

What happens if someone smokes on school grounds?

Page last updated November 2006