Background: In 2007 a collaborative, intersectoral Smokefree project was launched at Turakina Maori Girls College. This project attempts to decrease rates of student smoking uptake, promote smoking cessation, and to assist the school community to support viable Smokefree options for young Maori women.

Planning partnerships of: the school, Public Health, Ngati Apa, and Te Maru O Ruahine Trust were formed in late 2006 when the school requested assistance from the Public Health Unit, Wanganui. A theme of “Celebration” was adopted. 2007 began with a snapshot survey of the students, staff and parents concerning smoking behaviour and attitudes, forming the baseline for evaluation.

Integrated, multi-level interventions include: communication with the parents/caregivers explaining the project and practical ways that they can support their rangatahi (youth) in being Smokefree, a launch day at the school gala, involving the teaching staff though curriculum support, working with the hostel staff and the limited use of nicotine replacement therapy for under 18's. However, the major push is for students themselves to develop ideas and solutions to issues around being Smokefree. Using Ministry of Youth Development approaches the students are addressing issues such as: stress management, mentoring, quality recreation, planning for celebration on World Smokefree Day 2007, the role of advocacy, and celebrating success within the school. Competitions, naming the project, designing badges, recording their own stories, video-conferencing with another indigenous group are all assisting with rangatahi Project “buy-in”.

This presentation is an overview of the ongoing project, its implementation and successes to date.

Strategy:

Conclusion: