$40m obesity initiative ‘disappoints’

Nutrition, weight and exercise levels of adults and children in communities targeted by a $40 million healthy families scheme are worse than the rest of New Zealand after more than three years.

Healthy Families New Zealand (HFNZ) – described as a largescale obesity prevention initiative – was rolled out in 10 communities throughout New Zealand by the National-led Government in 2014. Funds were used for projects like setting up community gardens and dropping sugary drinks from sports centres.

The coalition Government this year signed off new four-year HFNZ contracts worth $35.8m.

But a report by Massey University researchers has found little evidence of success in obesity-related measures.

Drawing on national health data between 2011-12 and 2014-15, researchers compared progress for the combined HFNZ locations to the rest of New Zealand on eight health indicators.

They found results for children and adults’ nutrition, exercise and body weight in the 10 HFNZ locations combined were worse or no better than the rest of New Zealand.

Loosely modelled on Healthy Together Victoria, the initiative supported workplaces, schools and community organisations from the Far North to Invercargill to become healthier environments.

Obesity expert Boyd Swinburn said the report showed ‘‘no real objective gain’’.

‘‘My guess is the HFNZ sites will be pretty disappointed,’’ Swinburn said.