Nga Take Pu is a New Zealand initiative that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Māori and Pacific peoples through increased participation in physical activity. The name "Nga Take Pu" translates to "the steps to health" in Māori.
The initiative was launched in 2009 by the Ministry of Health and is based on the principles of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, which emphasizes the importance of creating supportive environments for health, empowering individuals and communities, and fostering social and economic equity.
Nga Take Pu focuses on four key areas:
* Participation in physical activity: The initiative aims to increase the proportion of Māori and Pacific peoples who participate in regular physical activity. This is achieved through a variety of programs and initiatives, such as walking and running groups, sports leagues, and community-based events.
* Healthy environments: Nga Take Pu also works to create healthy environments that support physical activity. This includes improving access to safe and affordable places to be active, such as parks, trails, and recreation centers.
* Empowerment: The initiative empowers individuals and communities to take control of their own health and well-being. This is done through a variety of programs that focus on building knowledge, skills, and confidence in physical activity.
* Collaboration: Nga Take Pu is a collaborative initiative that involves a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups. This collaboration helps to ensure that the initiative is effective and sustainable.
Nga Take Pu has been shown to have a number of positive impacts on the health and well-being of Māori and Pacific peoples. These include:
* Increased levels of physical activity: The initiative has helped to increase the proportion of Māori and Pacific peoples who participate in regular physical activity.
* Improved health outcomes: Nga Take Pu has been associated with improvements in a number of health outcomes, including reduced risk of obesity, heart disease, and stroke.
* Empowerment: The initiative has helped to empower Māori and Pacific peoples to take control of their own health and well-being.
* Community engagement: Nga Take Pu has helped to engage Māori and Pacific communities in physical activity and health promotion.
Overall, Nga Take Pu is a successful initiative that has improved the health and well-being of Māori and Pacific peoples in New Zealand. The initiative is based on sound principles and is collaborative, sustainable, and effective.