Half a million to help create a healthier NZ
AIA is calling on all Kiwis to join its nationwide think tank to generate ideas for a healthier New Zealand by submitting ideas to improve health and wellbeing in their neighbourhood.
Life, health and wellbeing insurer AIA New Zealand has committed to investing $500,000 into communities as part its Vitality Business and Community Grant Programme.
The programme has been designed to help financial advisers make a difference in local neighbourhoods and highlight the importance of health, wellbeing and overall financial resilience to New Zealand.
Through a competitive application process, 10 grants of up to $50,000 each will be awarded to initiatives designed to make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of New Zealand communities.
The numbers tell the story for why improving New Zealand’s health and wellbeing is so important. Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes account for 90 per cent of premature deaths in New Zealand. AIA says while this number is high, the good news is that all of these can be greatly influenced by lifestyle behaviours and positive changes, including even small increases in physical activity and other healthy choices.
AIA chief executive Nick Stanhope says its dream is to champion New Zealand to be the healthiest and best protected nation in the world.
“It starts by helping communities take daily steps towards better health and wellbeing. Initiatives such as this demonstrate the importance of ensuring our communities undertake some form of activity which supports them to live healthier, longer, better lives.”
Stanhope said AIA was looking to communities to put forward their ideas which could include initiatives such as hosting events to create awareness of heath challenges; investing in digital promotion of healthy living through podcasts or a video series; developing marketing activities that will drive the awareness of health and wellbeing; and delivering educational opportunities to boost the importance of health and wellbeing.
The 10 winners will be announced next month.
To submit your ideas, post an image or video to Instagram with the tag #aiahealthynz, pin your local community and tag @aiavitalitynz. Applications can also be submitted on AIA New Zealand’s website.