Most active nation

how walking contributes to SPARC's goal of NZ being the most active nation This presentation will describe how SPARC has encouraged the growth of walking through: • Green Prescriptions-the GP referral scheme where about 80% of the referrals are for walking particularly for patients with weight issues, heart disease risk factors and for smoking cessation. • Push Play -the social marketing campaign that encourages walking for fun and fitness • Sponsorship of walking events (e.g. Walking events at NZ Masters Games) • Resource development to encourage walking as a form of activity • Partnerships with health agencies such as the National Heart Foundation and Diabetes NZ during awareness weeks. • Whole of community interventions where walking is one tool to encourage community activity, often in collaboration with other government and non-government agencies. These interventions cover a wide spectrum from 10,000 steps programmes to the formation of formalised walking groups. • Collaborative approach to developing strategy for walking with other government agencies.