Marae under attack from smoking, inquiry told

Posted by karere under Maori News

Maori told the parliamentary tobacco inquiry today that their marae were being undermined by tobacco smoking and the associated early death of their elders. “Our marae are under attack,” said Kiri Potaka-Dewes, the chairwoman of Te Roopu Hauora o Te Arawa - the Te Arawa health board. “Many marae are bereft of kaumatua that should be there leading by good role models for our young. But they die prematurely from heart problems, diabetes, all sorts. It can all be related back to the impact of tobacco. “Tobacco smoking has invaded the life of the marae.” Mrs Potaka-Dewes was addressing the Maori affairs select committee, which is investigating the historical actions of the tobacco industry to promote tobacco use among Maori, the effects of smoking on Maori individuals and society, and what new tobacco control measures could be considered.

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