The top of the South Island is the country’s most active region, according to the results of a national survey released this month.
The Active NZ Survey showed that the top of the South Island – which includes Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough, Buller and Kaikōura – leads the way in both the ‘adult’ and ‘young people’ categories with 94 per cent of young people and 79 per cent of adults participating in physical activity each week.
The survey is run by Sport New Zealand and showed that the Sport Tasman region is 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 chief executive 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 the region’s success is driven by a coordinated 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.”
While Ed says 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.”
