Vision 2022

This section provides information on the rationale, background and progress towards a Vision for the public health nutrition and physical activity sector. We will continue to add information about the Vision's progress as the project evolves, so keep an eye on this page for developments.

Why do we need a vision?

Increasingly in New Zealand lives are being cut short and diminished in quality by poor nutrition and physical inactivity.

Reducing and removing the barriers which prevent many New Zealanders from making healthy choices will require cohesive efforts nationally, regionally and locally. The recognised absence of a shared focus and gap in sector leadership for those whose work has influence on nutrition and physical activity led to the initiation of this vision.

The Vision's strength comes from the fact that it will be developed and 'owned' by the public health sector. Therefore its longevity will be less vulnerable to changes in government direction. This work draws on the Smokefree Coalition's successful Vision – Tobacco Free New Zealand 2020.

What is the Vision's aim?

Ultimately it aims to ensure all New Zealanders have the same opportunities to eat healthy and be active. It aims to do this by providing a focal point for those whose work has influence on public health nutrition and physical activity.

By concentrating our strategies, initiatives and activities on this focal point we increase our chances of improving population nutrition and increasing physical activity.

An anchor for our Vision...

From the outset it was decided that Māori values needed to act as a vision anchor, along with support from other evidence informed positive health models. A document called Reframing Public Health Nutrition and Physical Activity, Whenu Tangata – Human Strands has now been developed. The document was written by Leonie Matoe and Mason Ngawhika with input from Professor Grant Schofield and Carolyn Watts, for the express purpose to reframe public nutrition and physical activity approaches for the Vision.

Download a copy.

What priorities are we focusing on and how did we decide upon them?

We recognise that no one strategy in isolation will resolve the challenge of poor nutrition and physical inactivity. But in an attempt to form a realistic starting point, we asked the public health nutrition and physical activity sector to prioritise four strategies. People were asked to pick from a list of 12 strategies seen as vital to addressing the challenge of poor nutrition and physical inactivity as set by the Public Health Advocacy Institute of Western Australia.

The response was overwhelming and the following four strategies were prioritised:

1. Increasing the supply of affordable, healthy and nutritious food for all.
2. Decreasing the power and exposure of unhealthy food and beverage advertising, particularly to children.
3. Reducing sedentary behaviour by ensuring the places where we live, learn, work and play support daily recreation, physical activity, sport and active transport.
4. Ensuring parents, carers and whânau are educated and supported to encourage regular physical activity and healthy eating in children.

Those who are struggling most to maintain the basics of a healthy lifestyle will form a priority group for each strategy.

Where to from here?

A request for expressions of interest was circulated in June 2011 asking for people to put their names forward to be part of small working groups for each strategy. A selection process was then untaken to ensure a mix of expertise on each group. These groups have now been selected and a leader assigned to each group. Agencies for Nutrition Action will be supporting these groups in a coordination capacity.

The next step will be deciding on the steps which each working group will undertake to develop the final Vision document.

If you have any further questions please contact Nicola Chilcott, Executive Director, Agencies for Nutrition Action on 04 499 6362 or nicola@ana.org.nz.

What will the final Vision look like?

Like the Smokefree Coalition's Vision 2020, the Vision will be a succinct working document informed by evidence and best practice. It will be designed to bring the sector together, to guide and inspire, but at the same time recognising work will continue in areas outside the four priorities.

There is no perfect solution or right answer to solving the challenge of poor nutrition and physical inactivity. While our sector will continue to share different views on how to face this challenge, the Vision will celebrate our commonalities so that we succeed in making a difference.