News
The latest news and information from Toi Te Ora Public Health Service.
18th of March 2009
18.3.2009 - Inaugural Walk2Work Day a huge success in Whakatane
Around 120 people hit the pavement to celebrate the first Walk2Work event in Whakatane today. The national event, held in 11 other regions, promotes the positive benefits of walking for the body, environment and pocket.
Toi Te Ora – Public Health and Whakatane District Council teamed up with Foot Mechanics, Pathway to Health, Sustainable Living New Zealand and Living Streets Aotearoa to run this morning’s event.
“People came in droves to Margaret Mahy Square and a large group from Environment Bay of Plenty walked over from Ohope – a great effort. This event was an opportunity to reward everyone for walking to work and encourage people to do it more often,” says Toi Te Ora – Public Health, Regional Manager, Graeme Savage.
Staff from a wide range of local organisations attended including New World, NASH, Whakatane Hospital, Child, Youth and Family, Whakatane District Council and Whakatane Intermediate and Whitcoulls. A number of people taking part in Toi Te Ora – Public Health’s Active Transport E-Series and Pathway to Health’s Business Series also came along.
“Seeing people arrive with their workmates was fantastic; walking with friends is a great way to maintain motivation,” says Eastern Bay of Plenty PHO, Walk 2 Health coordinator, John Voyle. “A few families turned up as well, which was awesome.”
Local resident Rona Hickson, who works at Whitcoulls, Whakatane won the $250 shoe voucher from Sportsworld. She walks from McGarvey Road three times a week. Rona says she walks for health and fitness, to relax and because it’s good for the environment. Jo Cranswick, from Environment Bay of Plenty took away the $95 biomechanical assessment from Foot Mechanics.
