Smokefree & Vapefree Napier

We're proud to have smokefree and vapefree public spaces

More information about where these spaces are can be found in the Joint Smokefree and Vapefree Policy 2022, along with how both councils encourage businesses to support the policy.

Councils have a responsibility for promoting community wellbeing. This policy is one way of contributing to the health and wellbeing of our community.

Key statistics

Census data shows that Hawke’s Bay has the fourth highest smoking rate across the 20 regions in New Zealand. Smoking rates are 15% in Napier and 16% in Hastings (13% nationally) and 29% amongst Māori in Napier and 31% amongst Māori in Hastings (28% nationally).
A small survey of Hawke’s Bay schools found 10% of year 9-13 students were vaping every day. Almost one in five students had vaped in the previous seven days.
Tobacco use is the single most important cause of preventable ill health and premature mortality. Around 4,500 – 5,000 New Zealanders die each year from smoking related illnesses. These illnesses disproportionately affect Māori and Pacific people and smoking is a large driver of health inequities.

Map of Smokefree and Vapefree spaces in Napier

If you have a query

Contact Napier City Council on info@napier.govt.nz or phone 06 8357579 if you have any queries about the Hastings District and Napier City Councils Smokefree and Vapefree Policy.
Contact the Health Protection Officers at Te Whatu Ora if you see someone smoking or vaping in breach of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 (eg. in a workplace or other indoor area) CIMSOpsPublicHealthUnit@hbdhb.govt.nz.

Smokefree & Vapefree Napier FAQs

What does the policy do?

It aims to provide more smokefree and vapefree public spaces and places in our cities.

Is it new?

No, it is a refresh of the 2015 Policy, covers Napier and Hastings, and was adopted by both Councils in 2022.

What’s different?

This time we’ve made it clearer that the Policy includes vapefree spaces. We’ve also introduced smokefree vapefree laneways used by pedestrians in each city.

What are the main details covered in the Policy?

In brief, the Policy covers the following public places:

Council managed urban parks, sportsgrounds, playgrounds and reserves, excluding beach reserves.
Within ten metres of public pedestrian entrances to Council offices and Council owned buildings and facilities. For the main entrance to Council offices, the smokefree and vapefree area will include the full forecourt from the public footpath.
Hastings City Square.
New addition: Council managed pedestrian laneways in urban retail areas including future developed Council managed pedestrian laneways.
Bus stops, including a ten metre perimeter from bus shelters, signs or bus stop markings.
Areas set up primarily for café or dining purposes on publicly-owned land; and Council owned tables in public areas.

What about events on Council owned land?

The Policy covers:
a. Events held at any of Councils’ smokefree and vapefree public places will be smokefree and vapefree
b. Public events receiving Council funding will be required to support smokefree and vapefree messages.

Why does Council have a Smokefree and Vapefree Policy?

Councils across the country have a responsibility for community wellbeing – this policy is one way of contributing to the health and wellbeing of our communities.
The Policy demonstrates our support for the national goal of a Smokefree Aotearoa 2025. It also encourages positive role modelling for tamariki/the younger generation by having spaces and places for everyone to enjoy.
The Napier community gave us their views on smokefree and vapefree spaces in a 2022 survey. The majority want outdoor dining to be smokefree (75%) or vapefree (70%). Two out of three people want to see outdoor music and sporting events, outdoor areas in town centres, and outside local shops smokefree, and over half want to see these vapefree.

Can people be fined?

The Policy is non-enforceable - it is educative and self-policing and no fines will apply. Councils may take other action in the event of a persistent issue.

Why have a policy then?

We’re encouraging people to get on board to have smokefree and vapefree spaces and places for everyone to enjoy. There are still many other spaces where smoking and vaping are permitted.