Tauranga - City On Its Feet Programme
What is the City On Its Feet Programme?
Tauranga’s City On Its Feet (COIF) programme is aimed at getting more people walking more often. The project, launched in October 2005, helps co-ordinate new and existing local walking groups, walking events and provides support systems for all participants.
A total of 45 City On Its Feet walking groups are found in local communities around Tauranga. Two Project Co-ordinators and at least one Walking Captain per walking group, organise and support these groups and help keep walkers motivated. City On Its Feet also invests in some green prescription staff hours to promote walking to GRX patients and link them into COIF groups.
Walking groups are a great opportunity for healthy regular physical activity in a fun and friendly environment. People joining walking groups enjoy the support and friendship of fellow members.
The City On Its Feet general walking groups are based around particular areas of the city in which they operate. The groups include targeted segments of the population, such as older adults (9 groups in total) and mothers with children (7 in total), along with groups which cater to the general population. Specific needs groups include:
- Pram walkers
- Green Prescription – providing for Green Prescription referrals and those with health issues
- Girl Power – for teenage girls
- Let’s Walk ‘n’ Talk – mothers with children talk with relevant speaker after the walk
- Walking Plus – focused on strong support for walking and nutrition with the goal of lifestyle change and weight loss, and is currently being introduced in collaboration with Green Prescription.
Walking Captains are local volunteers who help arrange the routes, dates, and times of the walks. City On Its Feet also provides starter kits to individuals who are interested in kick-starting a group in their area. Walking Captains find City On Its Feet a great way to get involved with and motivate their community, while meeting their own exercise and social needs at the same time. Walking Captains from different neighbourhoods have begun to meet at events,which has allowed them to get to know each other and organise walks in common areas.
Updated | 09 May 2008.
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