Guardians of the Pacific
A Smoking Cessation Programme
The Guardians of the Pacific – Collect the Warriors of the Smokefree Realm was a smoking cessation programme delivered through Le Afio’aga O Aotearoa in 2024, through a reward badge system in various health and wellbeing areas. This programme was a collaborative led effort between Pacific Homecare, Ōtara Scorpions and South Seas Healthcare Trust who had existing Stop Smoking initiatives to support the GOP Campaign. The aim of the programme was to empower community groups to actively engage in promoting health education, focusing on smoking cessation and building healthy habits. The programme strengthened community connections and fostered leadership by empowering participants to take an active role in improving their health and wellbeing.
The programme leveraged Le Afio’aga O Aotearoa’s community networks to engage and register community groups (sports groups, churches, youth groups, etc.) in a series of health and wellbeing focused workshops. Groups that complete the workshop series earned a Warrior Collectible, with five collectibles to unlock a tailored support package designed to help advance their own community goals and aspirations.
The Guardians of the Pacific programme has 5 warriors of the Smoke-free realm based on protective factors that supports individuals’ wellbeing (Cultural Identity, Connection, Life Skills, Spiritual and Strong Families). These warriors would help equip individuals with the tools, skills and support they need to support them on their smokefree journey.
Over a 12-month period, the Guardians of the Pacific programme achieved significant community impact by:
Engaging five community groups across Auckland.
Recruiting 300+ smokers to embark on their smoke-free journey.
60% of participants were smokefree for 6 weeks while 30% were smokefree for 10 weeks
Achieving over 90% participation in a dynamic 10-week series of health and wellbeing workshops, fostering lasting lifestyle changes, stronger community connections, and improved wellbeing.
Support provided through the programme enabled participating community groups to achieve aspirational goals, including upgrading community gathering spaces and purchasing equipment and resources to enhance weekly activities, creating lasting benefits that strengthened group capacity, increased member engagement, and improved the wellbeing and connectedness of their communities.
Participants consistently highlighted financial savings as the most significant benefit of becoming smoke-free, alongside improved wellbeing. Many also shared that their journey was deeply influenced by the importance of cultural identity, family responsibilities, and spiritual wellbeing, which strengthened their motivation to remain smoke-free and sustain positive lifestyle change.