healthy eating

The Nutrition Fund - how was it used?

Over a period of three years, 28 of the 38 schools and 25 of the 39 Early Childhood centres in Wairarapa have benefitted from the Nutrition Fund. 

The fund has contributed to the establishment of 36 Kids Kitchen Gardens, half in schools and half in Early Childhood centres.  Some have extended their gardens to include orchards, greenhouses, composting and wormfarms, and some into cooking classes using their own produce.  One of the successful applicants purchased a multikai cooker for preparing healthy hangi style food and has run nutrition workshops for staff, whanau and cooks.

Nine schools used the funding to install or improve their water fountains, and one college is designed permanent smokefree artwork around their fountains.

Three colleges embarked on large improvements to their lunch seating arrangements to improve the overall environment in which to promote healthy and communal eating.

Breakfast clubs have been established in two primary schools, with the funds being used for equipment, and business sponsorship used for consumables.  This has helped cement local business/school networks.

Other projects included a kai moana module; utilising native bush blocks and planting of native trees to establish medicinal pathways; a school newspaper with a nutrition and physical activity focus; a Hip Hop and Healthy class; and the purchase of quality outdoor physical activity equipment.

Click here to have a look at what's been achieved!

Healthy eating for adults

Eat a variety of healthy foods each day from each of the 4 major food groups.

1. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
2. Eat plenty of breads and cereals, preferably wholegrain
3. Have milk and milk products in your diet, preferably low fat options
4. Include lean meat, poultry, seafood, eggs or alternative

 

• Prepare foods or choose pre-prepared foods, drinks and snacks:
  • with minimal added fat, especially saturated fat
  • that are low in salt: if you use salt choose iodised salt
  • with little added sugar

 

• Drink plenty of liquid each day, especially water
• If you choose to drink alcohol, limit your intake
• Purchase, prepare, cook and store food safely
• Maintain a health body weight by eating well and daily physical activity

Eating for Healthy Adult New Zealanders

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the ideal, natural way to feed infants and provides the best possible foundation for both infant and maternal good health and wellbeing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognizes that breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life contributes positively to nutrition, good health and the wider wellbeing of babies, mothers and whanau and also influences the likelihood of obesity in later life. 

Click on the pictures below to read some great breastfeeding success stories

 Baby Friendly Hospital and Community Initiatives

The Wairarapa DHB was one of the first of a group of DHBs to gain Baby Friendly Hospital accreditation and is also fortunate to have been one of the Baby Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) Pilots in New Zealand. Through consultation with community health services, the BFCI pilot identified particular areas of need. Both initiatives have also resulted in extensive training of the workforce.  

For Maori, breastfeeding is a traditional and valued practice and embodies the importance of nourishment, protection, sustenance and continuity. The long term goal is “whãnau ora” or families supported to achieve maximum health and wellbeing. This focus has been reflected in the Baby Friendly Hospital and Community Initiatives and in the Breastfeeding Action Plan

 The implementation of the plan will be governed and monitored by the Baby Friendly Initiative Group

There is a dedicated group of people available to support breastfeeding. They are listed in the Wairarapa Breastfeeding Support Services Contact List . This brochure is also available from all Plunket, Whaiora, GP Practices and the maternity unit at Wairarapa Hospital.

 'Pregnancy and Parenting' Classes

Pregnancy and Parenting midwife Michelle Thomas runs classes on an 'as needed' basis for young parents . You can contact her through Maternity reception at Wairarapa Hosptial (946 9800 x 4200, or email preggy@wairarapa.dhb.org.nz. These classes are for teenage mums and their partners and/or support team. They are usually held at Ko Te Aroha (Early Childhood Centre)

General antenatal classes are provided under contract with Antenatal Educators from the Wairarapa Parents Centre. They can also be contacted through Maternity Reception, or directly on (06) 370 2220

 Workplaces and breastfeeding

 National Information

 Breastfeeding in the Workplace (NZ Dept of Labour's guidelines for employers)

http://www.ers.dol.govt.nz/publications/pdfs/breastfeeding.pdf

 Breastfeeding Support Guide for Employers

http://www.womens-health.org.nz/breastfeed/downloads/breastfeeding%20sheets.pdf

 Developing Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplaces in New Zealand

http://www.womens-health.org.nz/breastfeed/downloads/workplacereport.doc

 Developing Breastfeeding-Friendly Childcare to Support Mothers in Paid Employment and Studying

http://www.womens-health.org.nz/breastfeed/downloads/childcarereport.doc

 EEO Trust

http://www.eeotrust.org.nz/toolkits/breastfeeding.cfm

 Human Rights Commission

http://www.neon.org.nz/documents/3%20breastfeeding%20flyer%20English.pdf