These researchers explored the potential of using cytisine, a plant extract found in Golden Rain (Cytisus laburnum L.) and the New Zealand Kowhai (Sophora tetraptera L.) with a similar molecular makeup to nicotine, as a ‘rongoā Māori’ (traditional Māori remedy) and its attractiveness to Māori smokers compared with other cessation products. Focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews with Māori that smoked, as well as interviews with two key informants, revealed the following barriers to using cessation products: financial and effort cost; pervasive smoking among family and peers; environments permissive of smoking; and perceived cultural inappropriateness of treatments. Participants were very interested in cytisine, supported the idea that it would be acceptable to package it as a rongoā Māori, and all wanted to use it. Named appropriately, packaged and promoted as a Māori cessation product, participants thought cytisine would contribute to the restoration of Māori identity and traditional beliefs and practices in addition to reducing smoking.
