Wanganui NO Outside smoking ban
Councillors wary of parks smoking ban
Nov 8, 2006
MARY BRYAN
MARY BRYAN
AN EDUCATION policy, along with signage, to discourage smoking in its playgrounds, sports fields and open space reserves could be adopted by the Wanganui District Council.
This option was preferred by the majority of council’s community development committee yesterday with Crs Sue Pepperell, Marty Lindsay and Sue Westwood outvoting Crs Ray Stevens and chair Cr Nicki Higgie. Cr Barbara Bullock abstained from voting and Mayor Michael Laws was not present.
Cr Lindsay suggested it was an issue that could be decided by a referendum.
There was some concern about signage costing $6000-$10,000, but Cr Rangi Willis ( who did not have committee voting rights) noted the cost was minimal compared to the millions and millions of dollars required for the proposed Heart of Wanganui project.
Another option considered by the committee was to have a total ban on smoking in the above areas, but it received little backing from councillors.
Cr Higgie believed alcohol caused more harm than smoking and said some people spoken to were concerned a total ban would deter young mothers from taking their youngsters to playgrounds – council playgrounds being a place they could smoke in the open air while looking after their children.
