Aukati kai paipa , Smoking cessation
Aukati Kaipaipa Smoking Cessation Service
It’s about having a passion for the mahi (work)…we are there to support clients who want to quit, without having to judge…kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face), is best for our people…
Mel Maniapoto is one of a team of three dedicated smoking cessation practitioners based within Te Oranganui Iwi Health Authority PHO in Whanganui. Together this small group runs a number of very successful quit smoking clinics in rural and urban settings and use the Aukati Kaipaipa approach to deliver a “for Maori, by Maori” cessation programme.
Client referrals from Te Waipuna Health Centre, local GP’s, Whanganui and MidCentral District Health Boards (working very closely with the Smokefree Coordinator) and workplaces ensure that Mel and her associates are kept busy. In addition, self referrals by clients enable the team to provide Nicotine Replacement Therapy and motivational support to the many Māori who access the Aukati Kaipaipa service.
Recently at the request of a local employer, Mel, Sandi Ranginui and Kelly McLean delivered an eight week, workplace smoking cessation programme at Tasman Tanning Co. Limited. The team worked with 32 clients on a weekly basis, motivating life style changes, encouraging peer support and providing the essential patches, gum and lozenges for their quitters each week.
