More than 150 local agencies have responded to the call to find ways of promoting collaboration through Healthy Christchurch, an initiative which recognises that many areas of life can contribute to health – from education and employment to childcare and recreation. “Healthy Christchurch is about creating a culture of collaboration. It’s a process rather than a project,” says Canterbury District Health Board chairman Syd Bradley, who will host the launch with Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore.

The project will begin with a series of workshops and hui to enable participating groups to identify the values and protocols which can promote a healthier city. A Charter will then be drawn up to express those shared values. Groups signing the Charter will be making a commitment to work together in future.

Among the organisations sponsoring or supporting Healthy Christchurch are Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch City Council, Crown Public Health, Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu, He Oranga Pounamu, The Christchurch School of Medicine, Pegasus Health and the Ministry of Health.