Smokefree Campus
The University of Waikato Hamilton campus is a Smokefree environment.
Being Smokefree is in line with the University's commitment to provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment. It reduces non-smokers' exposure to indirect tobacco smoke, and provides a supportive environment for smokers wishing to quit - support and advice is available from the Campus Pharmacy and Student Health Service.
Most other New Zealand tertiary institutions are Smokefree campuses, as are a number of large workplaces such as Waikato Hospital.
We hope you will help us with this policy and please refrain from smoking anywhere on the University's Hamilton Campus, and encourage those around you not to smoke.
Smokefree boundaries
The University's entire Hamilton campus is a Smokefree environment. See the attached campus map to see the campus smokefree boundaries.
Frequently asked questions
Questions to frequently asked questions about our smokefree campus
Why is Waikato Smokefree?
The negative effects of smoking and second-hand smoke are well documented. The University of Waikato is committed to protecting the health and safety of our staff, students and visitors, and a Smokefree environment is a major part of this. We pride ourselves on providing a beautiful, clean, green campus, and we want everyone on campus to enjoy the benefits of clean air.
What should I do if I see someone smoking on campus?
You have the right to remind the person of the new Smokefree policy and courteously ask that they not smoke on campus. There is plenty of signage and promotion surrounding the Smokefree policy, so we expect most people will be well aware of the campus being Smokefree.
Where can I smoke?
If you want to smoke you will need to leave the University campus.
What about if I live on campus? Can I smoke outside my hall or flat?
All University of Waikato on-campus accommodation is Smokefree, as shown in the campus maps, so you will have to leave the site to smoke.
Who will be policing this initiative?
Everyone who is part of the University community is encouraged to take responsibility for implementing the Smokefree policy. If you see someone smoking where they shouldn't, you have the right to courteously remind them about the Smokefree policy and ask them to stop.
What will happen if I continue to smoke on campus?
Members of the University community will probably remind you of the Smokefree policy. Our preference is to educate all staff and students about the new policy so it becomes self-policing, rather than our staff constantly monitoring it. Repeated and deliberate failure to comply with the Smokefree policy will lead to disciplinary action (staff and students are required to comply with all University of Waikato policies as a condition of their employment or study).
What about the rights of smokers?
The policy is about making the campus Smokefree and healthy for all of those working, studying or visiting it, and is not a statement about or judgement of smokers. The policy is not about telling people not to smoke, but where not to smoke.
What if I want to smoke but don't have time to leave campus?
The Student Health Centre can help you with tips on coping in these situations (for example, when you are rushing between classes or exams). Staff members are entitled to meal and rest breaks throughout the day, so will have time throughout the day to leave campus to smoke.
What about events being held on campus?
Anyone hosting or attending an event at the University (eg. the Nightglow, social sport events) is subject to the policy and will not be able to smoke on campus.
Quit Support
The University wants to support those who wish to quit smoking in every way we can.
Many people who smoke do want to give up, and the University wants to support those who wish to quit smoking in every way we can. Most smokers try several times before they quit permanently - but every quit attempt will make it easier to stop smoking next time around.
You are more likely to quit smoking if you make use of the tools and support available. Whether you're a University of Waikato student or staff member, or you work for a company on campus, you can access free quit support.
Students
The Student Health Service provides free smoking cessation support to all enrolled students; see their website for contact details. This support includes an initial face-to-face appointment to discuss a quit plan, which might include medication , ongoing face-to-face appointments, phone or text message contact.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can be accessed directly from the Nurse.
If you don't want to access these services, you can access Quitline online or phone 0800 778 778. The Campus Pharmacy by the Lakes also provides quit support.
Staff/on-campus workers
The University wants to support staff who may be thinking about giving up.
Staff can now get free nicotine replacement treatment from the Campus Pharmacy. Simply present your staff ID card and speak with the pharmacist Kerry Dean for your consultation and free nicotine patches, lozenges or gum. Any associated costs will be charged back to the University.
Using nicotine replacement for eight weeks can double your chances of quitting. You can use as much nicotine replacement as you need to take away cravings – but it's still good to think about how to beat your habits and emotions associated with smoking addiction.
It's also a good idea to seek help. With Quitline you're five times more likely to quit smoking than quitting alone. For free support and advice call Quitline on 0800 778 778 or visit www.quit.org.nz
Related documents
The University is committed to providing a safe and healthy working and learning environment, as outlined in the following documents: