Ngati Kahungunu iwi says that it has come up with an innovative approach to help whanau from Wairarapa to northern Hawke's Bay become tobacco-free.
Iwi director of health and wellbeing Jenny Smith says as part of its mandate to promote a healthy lifestyle, the iwi is getting whanau who don't smoke helping those who do to quit.
She says with the assistance of funding from the Health Sponsorship Council, a free whanau manaaki kit is being made available which contains everything from a booklet on beating the smoking addiction, to packets of nicotine lozenges.
Ms Smith says there's strong evidence that many Ngati Kahungunu descendants want to give up using tobacco, but it's a matter of encouraging them to do it in their own time.
She says the iwi members have until February to apply for a free kit.
