New city initiative aims to get more people more active

31 July 2007

Get more people more active and more often is the aim of Active Canterbury, a new initiative which launches in Christchurch tomorrow (Wednesday 1 August).

Active Canterbury has been set up by the Canterbury Intersectoral Physical Activity and Nutrition Group (CIPANG), with funding from the group and from SPARC (Sport and Recreation New Zealand) to help more people become more active more often.

Project Manager Maria Moran says almost 20 organisations including the Christchurch City Council have been working together for the last two years to create a plan which reaches out to residents in the Greater Christchurch area.

Active Canterbury supports physical activity providers and health professionals (including GPs and practice nurses) in a number of different ways to help them get more people more active.

During the next few months, Active Canterbury will roll out a public awareness campaign including promoting the Active Canterbury website (www.activecanterbury.org.nz) and 0800 ACTIVE (0800 228483). Both will make it easy for members of the public to find information on activities: groups, clubs and classes as well as parks, tracks and facilities.

"People will see posters, advertising at bus shelters and flyers inviting them to visit the website or phone the 0800 ACTIVE number to find out where and how they can get active in Canterbury. There is also a section on the website dedicated to people who have just started out in physical activity, as it is so important that people feel supported and can get some good tips to help them on their way," Ms Moran says.

"We are so fortunate in Canterbury that there are loads of opportunities out there for people to get involved in. Being able to find this information quickly and easily makes it easier to begin."

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