Andrew Board
The Active NZ Survey showed people across the top of the South Island leads the way in both adult and young people categories.
Ninety-four per cent young people and 79 per cent of adults across Marlborough, Nelson, Tasman, Buller and Kaikōura take part in physical activity each week.
Run by Sport New Zealand, the survey showed the regions are ranked top nationally for both the percentage of population participating in physical activity each day and the average number of hours of physical activity per person per day.
Sport Tasman CEO Ed Shuttleworth says it is a collective effort which helps drive the region’s high rates of participation.
“We have a really committed group of sporting organisations, we’re really fortunate that we have great leadership in sport in this region.
“We have really talented leadership and it’s brilliant to see them all working together,” he says.
Ed says the success is driven by a coordinated by a range of groups including iwi, council, schools, sports, active recreation groups, health providers, facility providers, disability organisations, sponsors and funders.
“Our wonderful region flourishes on the back of thousands of volunteers who give up their time each week to ensure these opportunities exist. Thank you to each and every volunteer and organisation.”
He added while the news is pleasing, there is still work to be done.
“Whilst celebrating this remarkable achievement it is important we continue to place our focus on two key facts. Firstly 38 per cent of young people and 61 per cent of adults from our region are not meeting physical activity guidelines.
“Secondly, significant inequity exists across the region. We know not all people have the same opportunities to be physically active.
“The data clearly shows that rangatahi and tamariki from socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, girls and young women, Māori and those individuals with a disability have less access to physical activity opportunities that meet their needs and have lower levels of participation.”
Ed says addressing access to physical activity is a key goal for the organisation.
“We know physical activity has physical, mental health and wellbeing benefits as well as promoting healthier, happier and more connected communities.
Therefore, our collective efforts must continue to focus on removing the barriers to physical activity, so no person in our community misses out.”
