Physical Activity Strategies
How SPARC supports the development of physical activity strategies
SPARC's aim, nationally, is to get 'more people, more active, more often'.
SPARC recognises that strategic planning has a key part to play in making this physical activity aim a reality. Every district and region in New Zealand encounters different issues, opportunities and choices as they endeavour to increase the uptake of physical activity in their community. Every community has a range of stakeholders with a vested interest in increasing physical activity levels.
In recognition of these factors, SPARC is committed to supporting the collaboration of stakeholders to develop their inaugural physical activity strategies, at the regional and district level.
SPARC invests financially in the development of these strategies. We also offer additional resources in the form of research and programme initiatives - for example, Obstacles to Action, Push Play, Active Communities and kaiwhakahaere.
SPARC has commissioned the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) to support strategic planning for physical activity at the district level by way of liaison, advice and administration. In addition to this, the NZRA provides support services for both regions and districts in the form of strategy peer review and mentoring services.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Strategic Planning for Physical Activity
SPARC has developed a step-by-step guide that outlines the process for developing a strategic plan for physical activity.
'A Partnership Approach: A Step-by-Step Guide to Strategic Planning for Physical Activity' shows the key steps involved in a collaborative strategic planning process, and provides information, examples and sample documents.
The aim of the guide is to take the mystery and complexity out of strategic planning. It brings the focus back to the reason for choosing to develop a strategy in a collaborative way - that is, to make a difference to the uptake of physical activity in your region or district by working with other stakeholders on major initiatives. The aim is to jointly address community needs that can't be tackled alone.
The guide includes a form for organisations wishing to present SPARC with an investment opportunity for developing a regional/district physical activity plan.
This guide is in three parts:
Part A provides an Overview (PDF, 582 KB) of the strategic planning process, including a flowchart that outlines the key steps to follow.
Part B provides Appendices to support the flowchart in Part A. These include detailed information, examples and samples of various documents. Organisations are encouraged to adapt the sample documents for their own purposes.
- Readiness Assessment (PDF, 40 KB)
- Project Team (PDF, 48 KB)
- Project Manager (PDF, 40 KB)
- Steering Group (PDF, 60 KB)
- SPARC Physical Activity Strategy Investment Notes (PDF, 60 KB)
- Sample Memorandum of Understanding (Word, 84 KB)
- Project brief and budget overview (PDF, 60 KB)
- Sample project brief (Word, 108 KB)
- Decision to Engage a Project Coordinator (PDF, 48 KB)
- SPARC Project Coordinator Engagement Process (PDF, 56 KB)
- Sample Request for Proposal (RFP) (Word, 72 KB)
- Review of Evidence (PDF, 52 KB)
- Additional Research (PDF, 40 KB)
- SWOT Analysis and Strategic Challenge Identification (PDF, 48 KB)
- Sample physical activity strategy contents page (Word, 54 KB)
- Physical Activity Strategy and Implementation Plan Overview (PDF, 32 KB)
- Example from a physical activity strategy and implementation plan (Word, 76 KB)
- Peer review overview (PDF, 64 KB)
- Implementation Legacy Group (PDF, 48 KB)
- Implementation overview (PDF, 32 KB)
Part C provides an Application Form (Word, 160 KB) for those organisations wishing to apply for SPARC investment.
Changing Physical Activity Behaviour
Changing Physical Activity Behaviour outlines key lessons learnt from regional and district physical activity strategies.
Updated | 24 Jun 2008.
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