Smokers discuss their views on Smokefree 2025, and how much would be too much to pay for cigarettes.

Canterbury tourism hotspot Hanmer Springs could be going smokefree, if a six-month trial in the township proves successful.

The Hanmer Springs Community Board has agreed to the trial, which would result in smoking and vaping being banned from the centre of town from February 14.

The town, about 130km north of Christchurch, attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year – many to its large natural hot pools complex.

SUPPLIED Hanmer Springs' hot pools have already been smokefree for some time.

The trial has support from 63 per cent of the town's businesses, according to a survey taken earlier this year, while 24 per cent oppose it. The remaining 13 per cent were undecided.

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The survey, part of the Government's goal of making New Zealand smokefree by 2025, was conducted by the Cancer Society in consultation with the Hurunui District Council, Canterbury District Health Board and Hanmer Springs Business Association.

Cancer Society health promotion advisor Cheryl Ford said the plan would be to have a voluntary smoke and vapefree zone, supported by signs and promotions, to encourage positive role modelling to children and make smoking less visible.

Ford said a key concern from participants was that a smokefree zone could be seen as infringing on people's rights, and have a negative effect on tourism and business in Hanmer Springs.

"No-one will be penalised, it's all about encouraging that positive choice. There are already a huge number of places, such as the hot pools, which have had a smokefree policy for ages."

GEORGE HEARD/STUFF The smokefree trial will encompass the Hanmer Springs township.

The trial would only be on publicly-owned land, which meant existing smoking areas in the street's cafes and restaurants would be unaffected.

Ford said having reviewed evidence from both New Zealand and overseas the indications were that previous smokefree policies had not negatively effected tourism or business. Strict tobacco laws were introduced in Hawaii in 2006 and an inner-city smokefree bylaw in Melbourne came into effect in 2013.

A number of hospitality businesses in Canterbury had joined the Fresh Air Project, an initiative to support hospitality venues in smokefree outdoor dining, with no reports of detrimental impact to business, she said.

Morning Report/Radio New Zealand A University of Otago professor believes there's a lot more work to do to become smokefree by 2025.

"Quite a number of cafes and restaurants [in Hanmer] are smokefree ... it's got really good groundswell."

Details of the plan were being finalised, Ford said, but the trial would involve observing smoking levels and getting feedback from business, the community and tourists. If deemed successful it could pave the way for a permanent policy.

"Hanmer Springs offers the best of clean, green New Zealand and this initiative enhances this. The aim is to make it even more appealing to the wellbeing of both residents and tourists, so everyone can take advantage of the fresh, clean, alpine air and natural environment."

ALDEN WILLIAMS/STUFF The trial aims to encourage positive health choices.

Across New Zealand, 12 city or district councils, including the tourism hubs of Auckland and Rotorua, have smokefree CBD or civic spaces, and the Hurunui District Council already has a Smokefree Outdoors Strategy making all playgrounds, reserves, council events and entrances and exits to council buildings smokefree.

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