Rugby clubs and gyms are reaching out to a Hamilton-based Maori trust's quit smoking branch to help tangata whenua they know - kick the habit.
Figures from the Ministry of Health say Maori have the highest daily smoking rate, at 36 percent.
While, 25 percent of tangata whenua can't afford to visit the doctor.
A quit smoking coach at Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa, Reweti Hapi said its aukati paipa initiative was branching out to help smokers through organisations other than health providers.
He said Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa would work with any organisation that had clients who wanted to become smokefree.