Smokefree Workplaces

'Let's Clear the Air'

In 1990, New Zealand was one of the first countries in the world to introduce legislation to require indoor office environments to be smokefree, but a number of other workplaces, such as factories, pubs, clubs and restaurants, were not required to be totally smokefree.

As a result, many New Zealanders were still exposed to second-hand smoke, and it was estimated that 100 New Zealanders died each year due to second-hand smoke exposure in the workplace. [PDF, 44KB, 15 pages] (Woodward A, Laugesen M)

The ‘Let’s Clear the Air’ workplace commercial was developed by the HSC and The Quit Group, following research and pretesting. It focused on reducing people’s exposure to second-hand smoke in the workplace.

The television commercial aired on national television from August to December 2003, and encouraged smokers to protect the health of others by smoking outside in workplace settings (such as bars, pubs and restaurants). The campaign was also supported by print and radio advertising, and resources such as posters and stickers.