“Doing It for Her” — Sariah’s Journey to a Smokefree Life
When young mum Sariah Tuanau decided to quit smoking, it wasn’t just about her health — it was about her daughter’s future.
“Before I quit, I felt like I was stuck in a routine I didn’t have full control over,” says Sariah. “I relied on smoking to relax or deal with stress, but it started to affect my mood, energy, and motivation. Deep down, I knew I wanted to feel clear-headed and in control again.”
The turning point came one night when her daughter woke up coughing. “It really hit me how my smoking could be affecting her,” she recalls. “That’s when I knew I needed to make a change.”
Around that time, Sariah attended a SUDI education session where she learned more about the harms of smoking while hapū. There, she met a Hāpainga Stop Smoking practitioner, whose own quit journey showed her that change was truly possible.
“Hearing her story made me realise that I could do it too,” Sariah says. “It gave me hope that I could make a change for the better — for me and for my daughter.”
With support from Hāpainga Stop Smoking Service, Sariah started her haerenga auahi kore and never looked back. “This time it actually felt easier,” she says. “I didn’t even realise I hadn’t smoked for four days until someone pointed it out — that’s when I knew I was really done with it.”
Each week smokefree became a celebration. “Seeing how many days I’d gone without smoking made me proud and kept me motivated. Having extra money each week was a bonus too!”
Since quitting, Sariah has noticed big changes in her health and wellbeing. “I have so much more energy now. I breathe easier, sleep better, and my mind feels clearer. I’m more present with my daughter — we do more fun things together, and I really enjoy our time.”
Sariah hopes her story encourages other wāhine Māori to take that first step.
“You can do it, even if it feels impossible right now,” she says. “Take it one day at a time and remember why you want to quit — for your health and your whānau. Celebrate every small win. You’re stronger than you think, and it’s worth it.”
If you’d like support to quit smoking, reach out to Hāpainga Stop Smoking Service — we’re here to walk alongside you on your smokefree journey.