Personal Stories from Aotearoa New Zealand Communities on Quitting Smoking
Find Inspiration & Hope through Stories About Quitting
Welcome to Personal Stories from the Getting to Smokefree 2025: The Final Push to Achieving the Smokefree 2025 Goal. This page is dedicated to sharing stories that inspire, uplift and bring hope. Our mission is to spread positivity and promote the truth that quitting nicotine substance use is possible for every one.
We believe that everyone has a story to tell, and that sharing those stories can have a powerful impact on others. Whether it’s a story of personal triumph, a tale of hope in the face of adversity, or a simple act of kindness that made a difference, every story has the potential to inspire and bring about positive change.
Explore our site and read the stories of those who have passed away or have made a difference because they challenged traditional ways of thinking about tobacco and quitting. And if you have a story of your own to share, we encourage you to submit it to us. Your story could be the one that inspires someone else to make a difference in their own life or the lives of others.
Join us in spreading positivity and making the world a better place, one story at a time.
WHY WE EXIST
Our mission is to walk with people on their journey to quit smoking. We share our knowledge and experience; our stories to build friendships and communities, and freedom from nicotine addiction.
Freedom to live in victory. We believe that every story has the power to make difference, and together, we can achieve a Smokefree Aotearoa.
Join us and support those striving for a healthier future.
SUBMIT A STORY
Have a story about quitting nicotine products? Submit your message by clicking on the button below.
Submitted Stories
1. James’ Story: “After my divorce, I started smoking heavily. With the help of a friend and using nicotine patches, I gradually reduced my smoking and eventually quit. I found new hobbies like playing the guitar to keep my hands busy.”
2. Mary’s Story: “I quit smoking to be a better grandmother. My granddaughter’s comment about me smelling bad motivated me to quit. I received support from my family and friends, stayed active, and found new hobbies.”
3. Bruce’s (Burt) Story: “I’m Bruce from Alexandra. I quit smoking after 50 years with the help of the Southern Stop Smoking Service. I used nicotine replacement therapy and vaping as temporary measures. I now feel healthier and am saving money.”
4. Terrie’s Story: “I started smoking at 13 and developed throat cancer. I share my story to warn others about the dangers of smoking. Despite my illness, I remain positive and encourage others to quit.”
5. Bill’s Story: “I quit smoking after suffering a heart attack. I realized the impact smoking had on my health and decided to make a change. I used a combination of medication and support from my family to quit.”
6. Amanda’s Story: “I quit smoking after my daughter was born. I didn’t want my child to grow up in a smoking environment. I used nicotine gum and support groups to help me quit.”
7. Brian’s Story: “I quit smoking after being diagnosed with COPD. I used a combination of medication, support from my doctor, and lifestyle changes to quit. I now enjoy a healthier life.”
8. Lisa’s Story: “I quit smoking after my father died from lung cancer. I realized the impact smoking had on my family and decided to quit. I used nicotine patches and support from my friends to quit.”
9. John’s Story: “I quit smoking after my wife was diagnosed with cancer. I wanted to support her and improve my own health. I used a combination of medication and support from my family to quit.”
10. Karen’s Story: “I quit smoking after my son was born prematurely. I realized the impact smoking had on my pregnancy and decided to quit. I used nicotine gum and support from my doctor to quit.”
11. David’s Story: “I quit smoking after my brother died from lung cancer. I realized the impact smoking had on my family and decided to quit. I used nicotine patches and support from my friends to quit.”
12. Susan’s Story: “I quit smoking after my mother was diagnosed with COPD. I wanted to support her and improve my own health. I used a combination of medication and support from my family to quit.”
13. Michael’s Story: “I quit smoking after my wife was diagnosed with cancer. I wanted to support her and improve my own health. I used a combination of medication and support from my family to quit.”
14. Emily’s Story: “I quit smoking after my father died from lung cancer. I realized the impact smoking had on my family and decided to quit. I used nicotine patches and support from my friends to quit.”
15. Robert’s Story: “I quit smoking after my son was born prematurely. I realized the impact smoking had on my pregnancy and decided to quit. I used nicotine gum and support from my doctor to quit.”
16. Jessica’s Story: “I quit smoking after my brother died from lung cancer. I realized the impact smoking had on my family and decided to quit. I used nicotine patches and support from my friends to quit.”
17. Mark’s Story: “I quit smoking after my wife was diagnosed with cancer. I wanted to support her and improve my own health. I used a combination of medication and support from my family to quit.”
18. Sarah’s Story: “I quit smoking after my mother was diagnosed with COPD. I wanted to support her and improve my own health. I used a combination of medication and support from my family to quit.”
19. Paul’s Story: “I quit smoking after my brother died from lung cancer. I realized the impact smoking had on my family and decided to quit. I used nicotine patches and support from my friends to quit.”
20. Linda’s Story: “I quit smoking after my son was born prematurely. I realized the impact smoking had on my pregnancy and decided to quit. I used nicotine gum and support from my doctor to quit.”
Submit A Story
We believe in the power of stories to inspire change and better the world. By sharing your experiences of life-changing moments or acts of kindness, you can provide hope, encourage action, and showcase the freedom from making the decision to quit. We welcome your story submissions, which could be featured on our website, social media, or promotions reaching a global audience. Let’s unite to celebrate and share stories of hope, kindness, and positivity, fostering a world where such narratives flourish.