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The iwi with the least smokers include Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāi Tahu and Ngāpuhi. These iwi all sit under the national smoking rate for Māori of 32.7%.
Although this is a move in a positive direction, the national smoking rate for Māori (32.7%) is still just over double the rate of the general population, which currently sits at 15%.
Spokesperson for Whānau Ora Iwi Leaders Forum, Naida Glavish says, “A thriving iwi needs thriving descendants. A focus on iwi health will be a major focus.”
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