Making healthy choices was the focus of the inaugural Manurewa Fun Run held over the weekend.  

Over 300 people took part in either the run, walk or supported from the sidelines at Mountfort Park on Saturday, 9 March.

The What Hope Community Trust hosted the fun run and were encouraged by the good turnout.

“Despite the wet weather, it’s good to see the community turn up and support getting active,” says trust director Ken Sin.  

What Hope are the first group to put into practice Manurewa Local Board’s Healthy Environment principles which require event organisers to promote water as the first and best choice for drinks, while also ensuring there are no sugary drinks or fatty foods sold by stallholders.

Ken says this healthy approach was in line with the event’s focus and well-accepted by all.

“The fun run encourages people to move more, and promotes healthy lifestyle habits.

“This is the inaugural Manurewa Fun Run and it’s only going to get bigger and better.”

Manurewa Local Board chair Angela Dalton says it’s pleasing a local charity like What Hope is getting behind the local board’s new approach to events.

“We’re really pleased to see our local board funded events set a standard when it comes to ensuring healthier lifestyle choices are promoted and it’s great to see a group like What Hope champion this cause.” 

Local Board Member Joseph Allan ran in the 10km part of the event.

 “As a local board we want to be supporting groups who are going to make healthier choices a priority in how they deliver activities for our community.”

“We achieved a similar outcome at the Totara Park Challenge recently.”

The local board have been supported by Healthy Families South Auckland to implement these changes to their events programme.

Healthy Families South Auckland manager George Makapatama says with serious chronic diseases affecting so many in South Auckland it’s important organisations like Auckland Council make it easier for people to make healthy choices.

 “A healthier future starts with Aucklanders making healthier choices in all the places they live, learn, work, and play – including at our amazing community events.”

• The next event to embrace the Healthy Environment principles is the Eye On Nature Family Day on March 30 and another event to promote a healthier lifestyle choices is the Bilingual Hikoi in Clendon on March 23.