Nats say anti-obesity plan off the mark
21 September 2006
National says the Government's $67 million new anti-obesity campaign puts the onus on schools and won't be effective as touted.
The Government today announced a four-year campaign aimed at lifting physical activity and slashing New Zealand's growing obesity rates.
National Party spokesman Tony Ryall said; "that's a fat budget for non ideas".
The Government's Mission On campaign included:
improving nutrition in schools and early childhood centres;
a new celebrity "lifestyle ambassadors" campaign;
encouraging voluntary moves in the advertising industry to reduce marketing of unhealthy food to children;
more school, internet and television promotion of healthy food;
a campaign to encourage less time in front of TVs and computers;
the expansion of "green prescriptions" - for things like exercise;
health impact assessments on all new policy and legislation.
Mr Ryall said the campaign lacked a family focus and added another burden to schools already struggling with social problems.
"What's needed is a coherent plan of action based around families. There's little point in making schools the food police if nothing changes at home," he said.
"We need to encourage young people to make healthy choices, not just restrict their options.
"We also need to encourage parents and communities to reinforce these changes. That sort of thinking is absent from today's announcement."
Mr Ryall said children would still use their own money to buy junk food outside of school and follow through at home was what was needed.
Announcing the campaign in Auckland, Prime Minister Helen Clark said New Zealand's legacy as a country of fit, active people was worth protecting.
"An epidemic of obesity threatens to undo the significant progress made in improving our health and quality of life," she said.
"Unless something changes, the current generation of young New Zealanders may very well be the first to die at a younger age than their parents.
"By improving nutrition and reversing the declining levels of physical activity among young Kiwis, New Zealand will be much better placed to prevent obesity."
Education Minister Steve Maharey said a $28 million chunk of the money would be focused on schools and early childhood centres.
The initiative included the $12 million over four years already announced this week to improve nutrition in schools as part of the Greens' support agreement with Labour.
"While many schools and early childhood services have already made major changes, more needs to be done and the wider community also need to be engaged and take responsibility."
Under changes, schools would be required to develop policy that promoted healthy eating and drinking.
There would also be more health promotion in schools and more education and support for teachers.
A Parliamentary select committee is holding an inquiry into obesity.
Obesity Plan off the Mark
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