31 October 2001
MEDIA RELEASE

World Raters or Couch “Potaters”?

Aussie fitness and health expert Professor Adrian Bauman will be in New Zealand early next week to see how Kiwis promote an active lifestyle.

Professor Bauman is an authority on health promotion and population data information. He is visiting New Zealand at the invitation of the Hillary Commission as part of the promotional activities leading up to National Push Play Day on November 9.

Are Kiwis leading the world in an active lifestyle or are we couch potatoes?

Professor Bauman warns New Zealanders that our activity report card statistics and what we learn from the results are vital to the future health, wealth and welfare of all New Zealanders.

“At the moment New Zealand has Couch Potato Index or CPI rating of 32 % so that means 32% of Kiwis are still couch potatoes, not being active enough,” said Professor Bauman.

“Australia has a CPI rating of 40% at the moment so finally Kiwis are beating us at the race to get off the couch but if Kiwis don’t take heed and follow the simple message of Push Play to walk, walk, walk – Australia will once again win that race.”

Professor Bauman will also monitor plans for next Friday's national Push Play Day and meet physical activity promoters and analysts.

“The Hillary Commission’s Push Play programme is world class and New Zealand is a world leader in promoting an active lifestyle to its people. Combined with Green Prescriptions, it is innovative and effective. Other nations can learn from it," said Professor Bauman.

The Hillary Commission will also be releasing a Factivity Sheet - new facts and figures on New Zealanders’ health statistics – some results to be proud of, but also some scary realities, the Commission says.

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