Kōrero #Hashtags with Leah Clark | International Smokefree Day Special | Ep. 005 | Tino Pai Podcast

🎙️ Tino Pai Podcast | Leah Clark on the #Hashtag Smokefree Rangatahi Advocacy

Kia ora and welcome to a special episode of the Tino Pai Podcast, released in honour of International Smokefree Day. Today, we’re joined by a passionate health promoter and fierce youth advocate—Leah Clark from Health NZ Te Whatu Ora.

Leah has been a guiding force behind The Hashtags, a rangatahi-led group based in Wainuiomata that’s been driving real legislative change in Aotearoa since 2010. With support from Leah and co-mentor Sisi Tuala Le’afa, this group of young change-makers made history by successfully campaigning to make it illegal to smoke or vape in cars with anyone under 18—a law that came into effect on 28 November 2021.

In this episode, Leah shares the inspiring journey of The Hashtags, how a community-driven response turned into national law reform, and why she believes in the power of rangatahi to lead change. From confronting smoking rates in Wainuiomata to presenting at Parliament, The Hashtags are proof that youth voice, when nurtured, is unstoppable.

🔗 Learn more about smokefree laws in Aotearoa:

Smokefree laws in cars – NZ Government

🎧 Tune in as we unpack how health advocacy, leadership, and community spirit came together to change the law—and how it all started with a small group of passionate youth from Wainuiomata.

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#TinoPaiPodcast #LeahClark #Hashtags #YouthLeadership #Advocacy #WellingtonYouth #Tinopai