Nurses and other health workers who smoke could be banned from being hired under a proposal before the Auckland District Health Board.

The board, which employs more than 10,000 people, already has a ban on patients, visitors and staff from smoking on their sites.

Now the ADHB wants to take their anti-smoking stance to a new level.

ADHB executive director of nursing Taima Campbell said it was important staff, which often assist patients with advice and information on butting out, lead by example.

“We need our staff to be good role models and not smoke themselves,” she told media.

But the New Zealand Nurses Organisation has attacked the plan.

NZNO spokesperson Kerri Nuku said the union would fight the move, as it goes against equal opportunity rights while also arguing that smoking does not affect a worker’s performance.

Ms Nuku said while figures show about 20 percent of the general adult population smokes, nurses have a higher rate of smoking, at about 35 percent.

Under the move, currently employed smokers would be offered nicotine patches.

The proposal to put a stop to employing smokers does not break any discrimination laws and could be written into pre-employment contracts.