Health experts often blame cigarette smoking for causing a number of health problems. Inspite of several awareness programs and seminars, the unhealthy habit has equally increased its charm all over the world and still continues to affect countless lives.

Maori for Maori has decided to launch a quit smoking coaching program in order to help people across the regions of Waikato region with a focus to explore the measures that can play a role to kick off the unhealthy habit.

Consequently, the organizers have introduced the Quit Coach campaign during the last week, with the help of more than 50 people, including a qualified personal trainer with Te Whare Oranga in Huntly, Leilani Kaponga have received training as coaches. The 34 years old lady has expressed enthusiasm for gathering skills and knowledge that can help the society.

The Waikato District Health Board has generously funded the program and organized training campaigns for health staff in nicotine replacement therapy in order to help people to quit smoking. “I believe tobacco use has moved beyond just a health issue to being a threat to the development of entire generations of Maori whom had something to contribute to their wh?”, added the General Manager of Maori Health at Waikato DHB, Ditre Tamatea, while pinpointing smoking as major reason for causing highest number of deaths as well as diseases.

In addition, Mr. Tamatea has expressed disappointment that Maori has reflected highest smoking rates as compared to other populations. However, claimed that the number of Maori smoking is decreasing overall. As per the reports the Waikato district was observed with higher rates while compared with the national average. Further, he expressed confidence that the forecasted campaign will surely help the people to quit the habit.