Smokefree Pasifika Action Network [SPAN] AGM; Become A Member

Warm Pacific greetings Smokefree Pasifika Action Network (S.P.A.N) was originally established during the late 1990s as an informal network for Pacific and Non-Pacific health professionals who were passionate about Pacific Health related to Smokefree. Over the years S.P.A.N has contributed to New Zealand Tobacco Control through health promotion events such as raising awareness in local communities on World Smokefree Day May 31st, writing and presenting abstracts at the Oceania Conference 2007 and participating in sector wide consultations relating to Tobacco Control prevention, cessation and research. Our membership has grown significantly and enjoys the active participation of leading organisations such as ASH NZ, the Quit group, National Heart Foundation, and the University Of Auckland – School Of Population Health as well community providers such as Mangere Health Trust and Ta Pasefika.   As a result of the growing demands on S.P.A.N including the increasing need to ensure Pacific voices relating to Smokefree are heard, we conducted wide consultation with Pacific communities and health providers to assist us in determining our strategic direction. The result was an overwhelmingly positive response and support to formalise S.P.A.N as an incorporated society thereby ensuring sustainable approaches for Pacific Tobacco Control. In December 2005 S.P.A.N was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit organisation. We meet regularly to provide and disseminate current and up to date education and information to communities on Smokefree, provide a forum for Pacific health professionals to meet and build networks, discuss ways to support Smokefree lifestyles and support access to Cessation services for Pacific communities. Membership to S.P.A.N is determined at three levels; Organisation membership, Individual membership and Student / Beneficiary membership. It is very affordable and tax refundable. Your support helps us to keep our voices in Tobacco Control Pacific. We do meet regularly as a network and also as a board. This year marks our third annual general meeting – Tuesday 23 September, 10.30am, Mangere Community Health Trust, 12b Waddon Place, Mangere Town Centre. We would like to extend to you an invitation to attend our upcoming AGM. Please find the attached agenda.  We also invite you to become a Smokefree Pasifika Action Network member. For catering purposes please RSVP to Jane Tariau – janetariau@orakeihealth.org.nz <mailto:janetariau@orakeihealth.org.nz> . We look forward to seeing you at the AGM. Thank you for your support of S.P.A.N. Sincerely Heber Fruean S.P.A.N Chairman