Recent statistics indicate that only 62% of young Māori women are smokefree, and remain the highest smoking population group in New Zealand. Ready Steady Quit, a funded quit smoking service, this month launched Ready Steady Wahine to help build a community of wahine who can empower each other to a smokefree future.

Ready Steady Quit quit coach Arnia Appleby says “it’s so great that we’ve been able to provide a platform that brings wahine together, without shame or stigma, so they can make steps to improving their health and that of their whānau by becoming smokefree.”

Raewyn Crowe, who attended the event with her children comments “It was the best night and just what the kids and I needed. The kai was delicious and host beautiful and entertaining. I am so happy I came and grateful I could bring my children.”

The launch of Ready Steady Wahine was held in West Auckland and over 40 women, and children came along to enjoy a fun evening with entertainment from Buckwheat, kai and to hear inspiring stories from wahine who have become smokefree.

Stop Smoking Services Manager Angela Chong adds “Let’s be honest, stopping smoking can be really hard and people don’t know about the amazing supports available to help make this easier. We wanted to have a fun event to engage young Māori women so they can get to know us and how we and other support services are here for them.”

Another free event is planned for Wednesday 24 July, free registration via readysteadyquit.org.nz/events

Ready Steady Quit’s personal one-to-one quit smoking service can be accessed at any time and the programme is free for anyone who lives, works or studies in north, west or central Auckland.

To find out about the service for yourself, whanau and friends visit www.readysteadyquit.org.nz.