Smokefree/Auahi Kore - Policy
Otago Polytechnic is Smokefree both indoors and outdoors on all campuses, campus vehicles, and grounds.
This policy applies to the smoking of tobacco including the use of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and vaping.
The purpose of the Smokefree/Auahi Kore policy is to:
Provide a healthy and safe environment for ākonga, kaimahi, contractors, and visitors at Otago Polytechnic.
Protect the right of everyone to breathe clean air.
- Define where people may and may not smoke.
- Make available support for people who wish to stop smoking.
Smoke-free Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 and all subsequent amendments
Smoke-free Environments Regulations 2017 and subsequent amendments
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and all subsequent amendments
Human Rights Act 1993 and all subsequent amendments.
1. Smoking (including electronic cigarettes and vaping) is prohibited in ALL areas of Otago Polytechnic including, but not limited to:
- All campus buildings and balconies.
- All outdoor campus areas, entranceways, courtyards, carparks and seating areas adjacent to public footpaths.
- Vehicles owned or used for work purposes by Otago Polytechnic (refer to the Driving and Vehicle Safety policy)
The Otago Polytechnic Childcare Centre – Polykids.
2. Otago Polytechnic encourages smokers to be considerate of others in open spaces not controlled by the Polytechnic, such as public footpaths.
3. Otago Polytechnic also encourages smokers to consider the effects on the environment when disposing of cigarette butts and to be aware that there is a risk of fire if cigarettes/butts are placed in rubbish bins, potential harm to waterways if cigarettes/butts are dropped into storm water drains and gutters lead directly to waterways and cigarettes/butts harm these.
4.Otago Polytechnic supports smokers who wish to stop and suggests the following:
- Quitline 0800 778 778, a free service which includes after-hours support (there is a nominal fee for nicotine patches if desired).
- For ākonga – information and support is available from Otago Polytechnic Student Health and Smokefree NZ (www.smokefree.org.nz).
- For kaimahi – information and support is available from the Health and Wellbeing Partner and Smokefree NZ (www.smokefree.org.nz)
5. All ākonga, kaimahi, contractors, and visitors are expected to support the promotion of the Smoke-free policy and comply with all signage.
6. Smoking bans are generally self-monitoring however where someone is smoking on Otago Polytechnic premises, kaimahi are encouraged to:
- Politely ask the person if they are aware that Otago Polytechnic is smoke-free and ask them to relocate off the premises and/or
- Ask the person to stop smoking or move off the premises to smoke and/or
- Ask for support from their Head of College, or Formal Leader.
- Speak to the Safety and Wellbeing Partner on 03 474 8468, or email safetyandwellbeing@op.ac.nz or
- Speak with a member of the Wellbeing and Safety Team for advice and/or support.
7. Repeated breaches of the smoking ban should be logged on VAULT (the online incident reporting system) and followed up, as appropriate.
Approved by:
Megan Potiki
Executive Director
12 September 2024
Policy Version V9: Previously Coded: MP0412
