World Smokefree May

World Smokefree May leads up to the celebration of World Smokefree Day on 31 May . Internationally, World Smokefree Day is known as World No Tobacco Day, and is celebrated annually on 31 May.

The objectives of World Smokefree May and World Smokefree Day in New Zealand are:

• raising awareness and contributing to the achievement of the Smokefree 2025 goal
• raising awareness of the smokefree kaupapa with the underlying objectives of reducing exposure to second-hand smoke and increasing quit attempts
• enabling continuity and consistency of messaging and creative across the country
• building on and complementing current work in tobacco control.

About the theme

'We're backing you' is the theme for World Smokefree May 2024, as part of a national campaign for Aotearoa to be Smokefree by 2025. This theme focuses on whanaungatanga and wrap-around support, who provides it, and how. The theme was backed with the whakatauki;

'Taituara, taiwhare, taieke' : with backing, even the tallest of oceans waves can be conquered.

Get involved with World Smokefree May and the Smokefree kaupapa by checking out the World Smokefree May website for Aotearoa here: We're Backing You | World Smokefree May.

The World Smokefree May website is a hub for whānau, organisations, rangatahi and communities to visit during the month of May and for Smokefree 2025. The website promotes sector activities and events around the motu, links to local stop smoking services, features media releases, and houses digital resources. Find what events are happening both kānohi ki te kānohi and online here: Upcoming Events – World Smokefree May.

The majority of New Zealanders are smokefree and want smokefree environments. Having smokefree whānau, homes, workplaces and public spaces is worth celebrating! Tihei manawa ora! Sneeze, the breath of life!

World Smokefree May tools and resources

Hāpai Te Hauora have a range of digital tools and resources to support anyone wishing to embark on World Smokefree May and Smokefree 2025: Resources Archive | World Smokefree May.

Want to quit?

World Smokefree May is the perfect opportunity to encourage and help those who want to quit smoking and support friends and whānau on their quit journey.

If you want to stop smoking, or want to support someone who smokes to quit, see the stop smoking services page for details on the organisations who can help in your region. You can learn more about how vaping can help some people to quit smoking.