A nurses’ union is accusing Auckland’s District Health Board of discrimination for considering not hiring smokers.   The board, which employs more than 10,000 people, has instructed a proposal be drawn up that would see prospective health workers who smoke turned away.

ADHB Executive Director of Nursing Taima Campbell, who proposed the original idea, said health workers had a responsibility to be positive role models.

“We would like our workforce who are actually working with patients who are trying to quit or that ask patients if they’d like to have some support to quit, that they’re actually role modelling the behaviour that we’d like to see,” she said.

But, Levin nurse Keelan Ransfield says giving up is not that easy.

“I’ve tried the lozenges, tried the patches, I started smoking when I was 9 years old, so it’s a huge addiction that I have,” he said.

He says he feels for nurses battling the same demon as him, who may now have another fight on their hands.

The Nurses Organisation says 35% of its members smoke, and it will oppose the policy.

Organisation spokeswoman Kerri Nuku said “a policy that is looking at not hiring staff because they smoke is clear discrimination.”

But the Human Rights Commission said there is no legal issue with the DHB not hiring smokers.

The Commission said while the policy may be considered unfair, it was not unlawful as smoking does not qualify as a banned reason for discrimination.

And the stance is popular with several other employers.

Quitline has staff sign a contract agreeing not to smoke at work or at home and gym chain Club Physical says its staff also lead by example.

“We give them the opportunity to give up smoking, and if they can’t do that they can’t work for club physical,” Chief Executive Paul Richards said.

But Ransfield says it is not fair to single out those who smoke.

“It’s the same as saying to somebody that they eat pies. Sorry, we’re not going to employ you cause you eat too many pies. You’re not a great role model to anybody, working in the health system.”

Under the proposal, smokers already employed would be offered nicotine patches, and asked to leave hospital grounds if they want to light up.

The policy would permit security guards to photograph DHB staff who smoke in the grounds.

The news come as the Auckland Council also looks to toughen up rules around smoking, including a possible ban at bus stops and central city streets. .

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