Smoking is particularly prevalent among Maori women over the age of 15 years and remains a concern despite anti-smoking campaigns. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current smoking cessation initiatives as mainstream tobacco control programmes have not benefited Maori to the same extent as non-Maori. Limited research is available on the effectiveness of smoking cessation initiatives for Maori. In this descriptive qualitative study five Maori women who had ceased smoking were interviewed about such initiatives and what was more likely to influence Maori women to quit. A focus group was used to discuss smoking cessation initiatives and the data were thematically analysed using Boyatzis' (1998) approach. Two themes were identified: (a) Transmission of Whanau (immediate and extended family) Values that includes the sub-categories whanau experiences, being mothers, and role models; and (b) Factors Crucial in Influencing Change that includes the sub-categories choices and exercising own will, a positive perception of self and a Maori approach. The findings provide insight for nurses into Maori women's perspectives. These highlight the importance of whanau and supportive relationships, and can be used to inform strategies to assist Maori women in smoking cessation.