Thursday, 31 July 2008 

Official Launch of the Southland HEHA Plan and Charter Today 

Associate Health Minister Damien O’Connor and representatives from over 25 local organisations will display their commitment to supporting Southlanders to improve their nutrition, increase physical activity and reduce obesity with the launch of the Southland Healthy Eating Healthy Action (HEHA) Plan and Charter today.

The Southland HEHA Plan builds on the Ministry of Health’s HEHA Action Strategy and aims to improve nutrition and increase physical activity by creating an environment and society where individuals, families and whanau, and communities are supported to eat well, live physically active lives and attain and maintain a healthy body weight.

SDHB HEHA Manager Melanie McKenzie said 29 local organisations, including Southland DHB, have already formally indicated their commitment to and support for the Southland HEHA Plan through signing the Southland HEHA Charter, with more organisations expected to follow.

The Southland HEHA Plan culminates a year’s work by the Southland HEHA Reference Group (SHEHARG), an interagency leadership group involving members of the Southland HEHA network, including Southland DHB, Public Health South, the Heart Foundation and Invercargill City Council.

According to a 2002/03 New Zealand Health Survey, 59% of Southlanders are overweight or obese – 52% for females and 66% for males.

The Southland HEHA  Plan sets priorities for action in Southland and represents a starting point for the various agencies involved to work together for improved health outcomes for Southlanders.
 
The Southland HEHA Plan and Charter will be officially launched today in the Waiau Room at the Ascot Park Hotel, from 2-3.30pm.

ends