3: Lifestyle ambassadors

What's happening?

On 22 May, the Minister for Sport and Recreation announced the Mission-On Lifestyle Ambassadors. They are John Campbell, Bernice Mene, Keven Mealamu, Indira Moala, Laura Langman, Nathan Rarere, Spacifix, Footnote and Mervyn.  Find more information about each Ambassador below.

The Ambassadors are well-known people who are seen by children and young people as being cool and relevant - putting them in a strong position to challenge existing beliefs around physical activity and nutrition.  The Ambassadors were chosen with input from children and young people.

The Ambassadors will:

•  visit schools to support student health initiatives and promote and model healthy, positive lifestyles
• act as 'virtual buddies' (eg, by providing advice on nutrition and physical activity choices through the youth websites - see Initiative 4)
• encourage children and young people to 'keep it up' with physical activity and nutrition goals/reminders via a text messaging campaign
• feature in Push Play media campaigns, to direct messages to children and young people.

Schools can now invite the Lifestyle Ambassadors to attend their events promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Please use the booking form to invite an Ambassador to your school event and return it to us by fax to 04 471 0813 or email mo-ambassadors@sparc.org.nz

It will not always be possible for an Ambassador to attend an event. The earlier you book, the greater the chance you will have of booking an Ambassador. We are currently processing school requests for 2007.  Please send in your Ambassador requests for 2008.

For more information about the Mission-On Lifestyle Ambassadors read these questions and answers..

Who's involved?

SPARC is the lead agency for this initiative.

Resources

Teachers download the Mission-On Certificate now.

School visits 2007

So far, Mission-On Lifestyle Ambassadors have visited the schools listed below.

• Sunnybrae Normal Primary, Auckland
• Kelvin Road School, Papakura
  Nathan Rarere visited Kelvin Road School to help them run their World Cup Tournament that teams had been involved in over the space of a few weeks. Each classroom represented a different country. The winning country was Scotland who beat Argentina in the final.
  
• St Peter’s College, Gore
• Waipa Schools, Te Awamutu
• Gladstone School, Auckland
• Wainoni School, Christchurch
• St Joseph’s School, Dargaville
• Grovetown School, Blenheim
• Te Karaka Primary, Gisborne
• Runanga School, Greymouth
• Malfroy Primary, Bay of Plenty
• Western Heights Primary, Rotorua
• Weymouth Intermediate, Manukau
• Te Karaka Primary, Gisborne
  Indira Moala visited Te Karaka Primary School to help them celebrate their Healthy Lifestyles Day.
  
    
  

Ambassador biographies

	John Campbell John has been a journalist for 18 years including work as political reporter and political interviewer. John has won several major media awards in New Zealand including Best Presenter (five times) and Best Interviewer (three times).  He has made several appearances on popular television show bro’ Town. John is seen as a credible role model and good communicator by young people.  He demonstrates healthy lifestyle choices in his own life – making him an excellent Lifestyle Ambassador.
	Bernice Mene Former Captain of the Silver Ferns netball team Bernice is one of four government appointed guardians of education looking at the needs of youth in education for the future, and has spent most of her working life coaching, mentoring and teaching New Zealand’s youth, elite sports performers and paralympians. In 1992, while only 17 years and still at school, Bernice commenced her International Netball career with the Silver Ferns. In addition to playing international netball, Bernice was school head girl, played A-grade waterpolo, and was inter-district swimming champion and her schools senior champion athlete. In athletics Bernice was a member of the New Zealand Secondary Schools team in 1990, and the New Zealand emerging talent squad from 1989-1993. Bernice is highly recognised by young people.  Her sporting achievements and positive attitude help make her a great Lifestyle Ambassador.
	Keven Mealamu Keven Mealamu burst into the international rugby scene during the 2002 tour to the United Kingdom. Although not the biggest hooker in world rugby, he more than makes up for any perceived size deficiency with an energetic robust approach, that invariably sees him pop up all over the field. Keven started playing as a flanker, from where he made the New Zealand Under-16 side in 1995 and New Zealand Schools in 1996, but switched to Hooker in 1998. Keven’s composure, determination and intelligence along with his strong family values and outstanding sporting achievements make him a great Lifestyle Ambassador for your New Zealanders.
	Indira Moala Former Miss Tonga Pageant Queen and two-time South Pacific Accordion Champion Indira Moala has a string of successes crediting her musical talent. She was awarded Best Female Vocalist at the Mai Time Awards and was runner up in New Zealand Idol 2006. Indira’s grounded personality and integrity in her character combine with her quality vocals and performance style to create her uniqueness to touch an audience. Indira is a respected musician who has set and achieved many goals in her life. her high profile and positive lifestyle choices make her an excellent Lifestyle Ambassador.
	Laura Langman In 2003, 17 year old Laura was chosen in the New Zealand squad.  In February 2005, she was selected in the Silver Ferns for the first time, and within six months she had made her on-court debut against England in March, won the National Bank Cup with Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and captained the New Zealand under-21 side to win the World Youth Cup in Florida, for the first time in 13 years. Less than a year later, Laura was the incumbent wing defence in the Silver Ferns and a key playmaker in their gold-medal victory at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.   Laura lives in Hamilton, where she is studying towards a bachelor of business management degree, majoring in accounting, at Waikato University. As a kid, Laura tried her hand at every sport going, and today still tries to do as many different activities as she can in her spare time.  She surfs at Raglan, on the west coast, plays volleyball, beach volleyball, tennis, mountain-biking and squash. Laura has been chosen as a Lifestyle Ambassador because of her sporting achievements and “have a go” attitude.
	Nathan Rarere Popular presenter Nathan Rarere is known for his work on television and radio, voiceovers, writing and producing and theatre sports.  He also enjoys most sports including Rugby – which he commentates on with Oscar Kightley. Since the mid-nineties, Nathan has won several media awards including best presenter and best news broadcaster. Nathan has been asked to be a Lifestyle Ambassador because of his ability to connect and communicate with young people, and the positive lifestyle choices he has made in his life.
	Spacifix - Tau Manukia, Willy Manukia, Vita Manukia, Rudy Matamu, Isi Filisione, Metui Finau, Tonga Vaea Spacifix formed in 2003. Their first major achievement was winning 2003 Smoke Free Pacifica Beats.  They have an exciting, fresh sound through the unusual combination of soul, funk, R&B, hip hop, reggae and pop. Their energy and unique sound is infectious. Since becoming a professional group in 2005, they have supported UB40 in their Tongan concert and performed at The Roxy on Sunset in LA.   Spacifix have an extremely high profile with young New Zealanders.  They demonstrate goal setting and commitment and the benefits of making healthy lifestyle choices.
	Footnote Dance - Jesse Wikiriwhi, Erynne Gleeson, Andrew Rusk, Sarah Knox, Anita Hunziker, Hannah Elks Footnote is a full-time contemporary dance company with an extensive New Zealand repertoire.  Footnote has represented New Zealand in festivals in Australia and Korea. Since 1985, Footnote has toured New Zealand each year, performing and holding workshops in schools, and presenting professional performances of contemporary New Zealand dance. Footnote is at the forefront of developments in the educational curriculum and in touch with youth culture. Its dancers have become role models for students all over the country. The Footnote dancers embody healthy lifestyle choices.  They are excellent Lifestyle Ambassadors for young New Zealanders.
	Mervyn Mervyn came to fame starring in the “Movin with Mervyn” campaign encouraging kids to get active over the summer of 2006-07.  He has appeared at a number of high profile events. Mervyn’s a talented salsa dancer and political commentator.  When asked why he would want to become a politician he replied “to get on Dancing with the Stars.” His high-energy, positive outlook and commitment to leading a healthy lifestyle make Mervyn an obvious choice as Lifestyle Ambassador.

>> Initiative 4: Youth-branded websites

Updated | 24 Oct 2007.

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