Waitemata DHB: Obesity Prevention Programme

MEDIA RELEASE

Mon 22 September 2008

PASIFIKA PEOPLE’S DANCING TO THEIR OWN BEAT

Pacific peoples throughout the Waitemata DHB are literally dancing to their own beat as they embrace the new Enua Ola programme which helps them increase their physical activity and improve their nutritional habits.

Until now this programme has been quietly gaining momentum with nine Pacific groups across West Auckland  benefiting from weekly Pacific inspired aerobic sessions, gardening, pool-walking and other physical activity programmes and nutrition classes.

Encouraged by the results and with new funding available, Enua Ola is now to be extended across to North Shore and Rodney with the addition of 14 new groups.

“The success of Enua Ola is that we use a community action approach to mobilize Pacific peoples,” said Ms Lita Foliaki, Manager of Pacific Health at Waitemata DHB.

“The programmes are delivered by Pacific people in the community by Pacific churches and community groups.”

Training is provided to each Enua Ola group to ensure they are able to deliver the physical activity and nutrition components for their members.

“Our community has become so passionate about the Enua Ola programme that some of our churches are are blending the health messages into regular biblical studies and some are extending the role of church facilities from being house of worship to centres of healthy activities for the body and mind,” she said.

The Enua Ola programme is designed to work in harmony with the other ‘healthy eating, healthy action’ activities within the community.

“It is through the interlinking of the school-based initiatives, the programmes around healthy kai and healthy neighbourhoods that we create enough momentum to make significant inroads into improving Pacific people’s health and wellbeing,” said Ms Foliaki.

Enua Ola is an partnership initiative between Waitemata DHB and Pacific community groups, with support from training and health providers such as Waitakere Sport, Harbour Sport, Westfono Health Trust and Pacific Heart Beat, a unit of the National Heart Foundation that focuses on the health of Pacific peoples.

There are now 18 Enua Ola groups in West Auckland, four in North Shore City and one to be established in Rodney.  To access your nearest Enua Ola group contact Westfono Trust on: 09 837 1780 or Lita Foliaki on 837 1780 Ext. 3743.

ENDS