Creating a beter future - supporting healthier communities in Counties Manukau

> Welcome > Creating Your Better Future > Keeping Active

Keeping Active

Boy runningDancing, going for a walk or some vigorous vacuuming… the opportunities for physical activity are endless!

  • Adults should try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.
  • Children aged up to 18 need to do at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. They should also spend less than two hours a day in front of a television, computer or game console.
  • Physical activity should make you puff but doesn’t have to be done all at once. You can break it down into chunks throughout the day.
  • Try doing your physical activity with a friend or family member, or as part of a club or class. It will help keep you motivated!
  • Some activity is better than no activity. Small increases can improve your quality of life. It’s never too late to get active!

Get involved:

Counties Manukau Active, supported by Creating a Better Future and a range of organisations, delivers physical activity programmes in Counties Manukau. They’re also looking for people who want to help lead these initiatives in their community. Training and support is provided. Click on ‘search for an activity’ on the CM Active page to get moving in your area.

You may be eligible for the Green Prescription programme, delivered by Sport Auckland. A Green Prescription is written advice from a doctor or nurse recommending their patient becomes more physically active to help benefit their health. Sport Auckland offers phone support and community based programmes in Counties Manukau for people who would like support to become physically active. Check out the ‘Counties Manukau’ section for more information and contact details.

Getting Started, delivered by Otara Health, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of local people through improving healthy eating and increasing physical activity. Participants are encouraged to attend sessions for six months and are then supported to maintain their health & fitness in the community. The free programme includes activities like Bollywood dancing, shopping on a budget and Otara Town Centre tours. Otara Health is funded by Ministry of Health, Total Healthcare Otara and Procare Network Manukau to deliver the programme. For more information, ask your doctor or contact Lueyna Barnard at Otara Health on (09) 265 2746
Active Families, delivered by Otara Health, aims to increase opportunities for children and their immediate family members in Manurewa, Mangere and Otara to sustain healthy eating and physical activity. Caregivers are encouraged to attend the free three month programme with the referred child/children where they take part in fun activities such as Swimsation sessions, Kiddi combat, aerobics, Pacific Sway and cooking. Otara Health is funded by the Ministry of Health, Total Healthcare Otara and Procare Network Manukau to deliver the programme. For more information, contact Lueyna Barnard at Otara Health on (09) 265 2746
Kids in Action is a free nutrition and physical activity programme for overweight Pacific children and their families, delivered by South Seas Healthcare. Children and their parents or caregivers are encouraged to attend the exercise classes, which are run in Otara on Mondays and Wednesdays, every week. Support around healthy eating and goal setting is also provided. Call (09) 278 2694
The benefits of physical activity are well recognised. However, undertaking activity that isn’t suitable for you may result in injury which can put you out of action. ActiveSmart is a website which allows you to develop free online training programmes for walking, running and cycling. These are tailored to meet your needs and will help you get the most out of your physical activity at a level that is right for you. Sign up now to receive a plan designed specifically for your needs. It's personalised for you by experts and it's FREE! www.activesmart.co.nz - the smart way to get active.