We are delighted to report that ASPIRE Aotearoa researchers have been recognised for their excellent work and contribution to tobacco control (or tobacco resistance, as it is now being called) at the prestigious Oceania Tobacco Control Conference held on October 23-25 on the Gold Coast.
ASPIRE co-directors Anaru Waa and Janet Hoek received the Dame Tariana Turia and Nigel Gray Awards respectively, and Anna Graham DeMello, Janet Hoek, Lani Teddy and Jude Ball received an award for the best abstract submitted to the conference.
The Dame Tariana Turia award recognises significant contribution to achievement in indigenous tobacco control outcomes and persistence in the face of opposition and criticism regarding indigenous people and their rights to a tobacco free generation. Anaru’s award acknowledges his sustained contribution through excellence in research and fearless and values-based advocacy for the Tupeka Kore goal.
The Nigel Gray Award for Achievement in Tobacco Control was established by Cancer Council Victoria to recognise people whose tobacco control efforts in the Oceania region have significantly advanced health outcomes. The award is named after Dr Nigel Gray , a pioneer of tobacco control in Australia and internationally. Janet is an incredibly worthy recipient of this prestigious international award.
An abstract by Anna Graham-DeMello and Janet Hoek, presented by Jude Ball, and also co-authored by Lani Teddy, received the best conference abstract award: “Experiences of vaping addiction among adolescents in Aotearoa New Zealand: A qualitative inquiry.” This award recognises research excellence and the work presented was undertaken by two summer students, Carissa Sanders and Renee Hoskin, who Janet and Anna supervised. The award reflects ASPIRE Aotearoa’s expertise in adolescent and youth health-related behaviours, particularly in relation to tobacco and nicotine product use and policy. We are particularly pleased to see Jude, Anna and Lani recognised as emerging leaders in this important field.