Ministry of Health Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy

Date of publication: October 2004

Note: This policy is currently under review (May 2008)

The Ministry of Health is committed to improving the health of New Zealanders. One of the ways to achieve this is through healthy eating and physical activity.

Incorporating the promotion of nutrition (including breastfeeding) and physical activity in all aspects of the Ministry’s work environment demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to implementing the Healthy Eating – Healthy Action Strategy and its key messages.

The key population health messages of the Healthy Eating – Healthy Action Strategy are below.

• Eat a variety of nutritious foods.

• Eat less fatty, salty, sugary foods.

• Eat more vegetables and fruits.

• Fully breastfeed infants for at least six months.

• Be active every day for at least 30 minutes in as many ways as possible.

• Add some vigorous exercise for extra health benefit and fitness.

• Aim to maintain a healthy weight throughout life.

• Promote and foster the development of environments that support healthy lifestyles.

The key principles of this internal policy are to:

• ensure healthy food choices are available to staff in all Ministry premises and that all Ministry hosted functions meet the Food and Nutrition Guidelines

• meet food safety requirements that comply with New Zealand food legislation

• provide opportunities for physical activity that are consistent with SPARC’s (Sport and Recreation New Zealand) Activity friendly Workplaces Scheme

• respect cultural and/ or religious beliefs

• ensure a breastfeeding friendly environment in Ministry premises, wherever possible

• ensure the Ministry is a responsible host when serving alcohol.

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Document availability

This document is available for download in Word and PDF formats.

Ministry of Health Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy (Word, 132 KB)
Ministry of Health Nutrition and Physical Activity Policy (PDF, 49 KB)

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Related information

Healthy Eating Healthy Action

Physical Activity

Food and Nutrition publications

Food and Nutrition Guidelines

Active Workplaces Scheme

Page last updated: 21 May 2008