How to get involved
There are many ways in which you can get involved in the campaign to put tobacco displays out of sight. Visit www.protectourchildren.org.nz
Go to the Cancer Society’s website on tobacco retail displays. There is a wealth of information and advice on things you can do.
Sign up for campaign alerts
The first thing is to sign up to the regular campaign alerts. You can sign up here:
http://www.protectourchildren.org.nz/index.php?id=630
You will receive regular updates on media stories, research, MP activities and action alerts with campaign activities.
Contact your local MP
Take up the issue of retail displays with your MP. We need to show then that this is an issue that local people are concerned about. If you don’t know who you MP is you can find out here: http://theyworkforyou.co.nz/mps
You can write to them about the issue. Some example letters and ideas can be found here: http://www.protectourchildren.org.nz/index.php?id=440
You can also use this online email your MP tool that allows you to create and send a message about banning tobacco retail displays.
Open email your MP form (external link)
It’s good to keep you letter focused on their constituency and why you think getting rid of displays is an important local issue. For example are there a lot of very visible displays near local schools? If you know of a local retailer who has got rid of their display, you could highlight their good work or nominate then for a Smokefree Retailer Award.
Talk to your local MP
Most MPs have a constituency day on a Friday when local people can go and visit them with issues of concern. You could set up a meeting to talk about why retail displays should be taken out of sight. Constituency contacts can be found via the parliament website, or through the local white pages. You will need to let them know who you want to take with you to meet them.
Some ideas include giving them a copy of the fact sheet and asking their views on the topic. It may also be good to take others along with you. For example a local doctor, young people, or a teacher from a local school who is concerned about the impact on children. If you know of a local retailer who has stopped selling tobacco, you could even ask them to join you and talk about their reasons why.
Nominate a local retailer for an award
The Asthma Foundation has a smokefree retailer award that is given to stores that either stop displaying tobacco products, or have chosen not to sell them. You can nominate your local store here: http://www.smokefreeshops.co.nz