The University’s Dunedin campus has become completely smoke-free since 1 January 2014, a move that brings it into line with Otago’s other campuses in Christchurch, Wellington and Invercargill.

The smoke-free policy enhances the outstanding campus experience that the University offers its staff and students and is consistent with its mission statement, which sets out Otago’s aim of promoting individuals' development and wellbeing.

Implementation of the policy involves an extensive programme of support, including training additional Quit Advisors and facilitating access to subsidised cessation support for staff and domestic students. The University will assist these staff and students' attempts to quit smoking by subsidising the dispensing fee for nicotine replacement therapies obtained by redeeming Quit Cards at participating pharmacies.

Student Health and the University’s Employee Assistance Programme are also available to provide behavioural counselling to students and staff, respectively. Pacific smokers looking for information and support can also visit the Tala Pasifika website.

Free seven-week quit smoking groups are also being run in Dunedin by specially trained Southern DHB staff. The groups meet for one hour a week and patches, gum and lozenges are availalble free of charge. Call 03 476 9823 or text 027 545 8602 to book a place.

A Dunedin Television interview with Smoke-free campus implementation group co-convenor Professor Janet Hoek can be found here.