The Bay of Plenty stop smoking service Hāpainga has been recognised at Te Whakanuia i Auahi Kore national awards held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum on 13 November 2025. Hosted by Hāpai Te Hauora Māori Public Health, the event celebrated the people, organisations and initiatives contributing to Aotearoa’s Smokefree goal.
Hāpainga received Te Tohu Mauri Ora, a recognition that acknowledges stop smoking providers showing leadership and impact in supporting whānau to become smokefree. The honour also highlights the contribution these services make to the wellbeing of their communities.
The awards evening brought together the tobacco control sector, whānau and hapori to reflect on collective progress and acknowledge the dedication of those working in this kaupapa. The event was part of the National Tobacco Control Summit 2025, where the sector gathered in Tāmaki Makaurau to share research, celebrate decades of advocacy and shape the vision for what comes next beyond the Smokefree 2025 goal.
Meaningful recognition
Lizzie Spence, team leader at Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance (EBPHA), who established Hāpainga, says the recognition is meaningful. “These are the first awards in mine and a half years, so it is an honour to have our work recognised at this level.”
Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation (WBOP PHO) supports the delivery of Hāpainga in the region. Emma Walker, WBOP PHO Quit Coach at Hāpainga who attended the ceremony, says the recognition reflects the work of many across the sector.
“There are so many amazing kaimahi who have worked tirelessly in this smokefree space for so many years. From trailblazers Dame Tariana Turia, Hōne Harawira and Shane Kawenata Bradbrook, to all the stop smoking services in New Zealand.”
She also acknowledged the contribution of WBOP PHO colleagues who shaped the service locally. “I especially would like to acknowledge the contribution that Tiana Bennett and Kate Banue have made over the years, along with our WBOP PHO smokefree champions past and present. There is still much mahi to do.”
What is Hāpainga?
Hāpainga is the regional stop smoking service for the Bay of Plenty. It is led by EBPHA, and WBOP PHO supports delivery in the Western Bay. The service is free, mobile and offers practical support, personalised coaching and access to stop smoking tools, including nicotine replacement therapy and carbon monoxide monitoring. People can self-refer or be referred by general practice and community providers.
