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DAVID TUA FOR THE SMOKEFREE FIGHT |
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By Malia Tua’i Manuleleua |
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Amidst the
controversy over his former management team and their alleged
mishandling of his finances, David Tua came out in force with his close
friend and cousin former All Black, Inga Tuigamala and his beautiful
wife Robin to support a worthy cause. They were the guests of honour at
the launch of Smokefree posters by Auckland Regional Public Health.
David, Brother D of Dawn Raid Entertainment and Rap Artist Mareko
feature on one of the four Pacific posters to be distributed nationwide
to promote, Smokefree Pasifika. They have been designated on the
Auckland Regional Public Health Service “role model register” to
promote healthy living and are committed to using their faces and
images for the Smokefree Pasifika campaign as well as fronting related
events and campaigns.
David said “It’s a great privilege and honour to be part of such a
great cause and certainly when it’s targeted towards our youth and
healthy living. If a person like me or Inga can make a difference in
one person’s life that’s all it takes. It doesn’t cost to care.”
“We are so grateful to have David Tua and the others supporting the
cause by giving freely of their time and faces to this campaign. They
are excellent role models that Pacific youth can identify with-
successful, proud, brown and smokefree,” said a SPAN representative.
Anne Candy, Deputy Mayor of Manukau’s compliments of David “being true
to his roots, and always a Mangere boy,” was met by a warm applause
from the audience.
The four Pacific posters were developed by Auckland Regional
Public Health in consultation with Smokefree Pacific Action Network (SPAN),
consisting of Pacific organisations: AuckPac PHO, Pacific Heartbeat, Health
Pacific, Public Health Promotion and others.
Luisa Falanitule, Health Promotion Advisor and Co-ordinator for SPAN commended
the work of SPAN’s member organisations. “SPAN, the only Pacific Smokefree
network in New Zealand was established in 2000 by Pacific Health Professionals
to meet key objectives: to work strategically at a regional level; to raise
awareness of Pacific people about the harmful effects of smoking and in
particular, youth; to strengthen and nurture work relationships with Pacific
health providers and mainstream so as to |
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Va’aiga (Inga) Tuigamala, Malia Tua’i Manuleleua and David
(Terminator) Tua at the Smokefree Pasifika launch. |
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A Smokefree Pasifika poster featuring David Tua with some of the
Pacific heavyweights in music. |
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Amidst the controversy over his former management team and their
alleged mishandling of his finances, David Tua and Inga
Tuigamala came out to support a worthy cause. |
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form a united front
in addressing tobacco control issues in New Zealand and to advocate for Smokefree environments
for Pacific families living in New Zealand. SPAN has also received inundated
requests from the Pacific region for information and consultation regarding
their Smokefree activities.
Latest research indicates that one in two Maori are smokers compared to one in
five Palagi and one in three Pacific peoples.
SPAN will organise a Smokefree Pasifika day at Mangere Shopping Centre leading
up to World Smokefree day where David Tua and other Pacific celebrities will be
taking part. A demonstration by the local Fire Brigade service on the effects of
house fires caused by smoking is one of the many activities planned for the day.
Posters and information on the campaign will also be available for those
participating from pre-schools, church groups and the wider community.
For further information on Smokefree Pasifika posters, Smokefree Pasefika day
and World Smokefree day, contact Luisa at (09) 262 1855 or email
luisa.falanitule@adhb.govt.nz
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd.
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