The intent of this strategy is to demonstrate how the Gisborne District Council will continue to provide the infrastructure (parks, reserves and facilities) for currently active people and increase the opportunities, through collaboration, for people who are currently inactive to participate.
Physical activity is a sensitive issue as it deals with people’s general health (including weight) and activity levels, as well as the mortality rates that could be reduced with exercise.
Being active is a means of reversing the negative statistics applied to the Gisborne District. Currently we have the lowest life expectancy of any Territorial Local Authority.1 The main causes of death are cardiovascular disease and cancer (lung, breast and colon). Both are directly attributable to lifestyle.
The prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents also needs to be addressed. Obesity is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease leading to serious complications like heart disease and stroke. Maori and Pacific peoples are at significantly greater risk of contracting diabetes.
Gisborne District Council's Active Recreation Strategy 2005 - 2010