More steps. More trees. Healthier people, cities and planet
Bupa New Zealand Managing Director Pedro Sánchez says the growing number of organisations joining Healthy Cities shows what can happen when people come together around a shared goal.
"Healthy Cities is about connecting the health of people with the health of our planet.
"We want to encourage people to get outside, move, explore their neighbourhoods and cities, connect with others and discover some of the incredible places that are right on their doorstep.
"What's exciting this year is seeing that idea grow beyond Bupa. We're working with organisations that share our belief that movement, connection, community and the environment all have a role in helping people live longer, healthier and happier lives."
Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau: coffee, cycling and discovering the west
In Auckland, Bupa is partnering with EcoMatters Environment Trust to encourage Aucklanders to get on their bikes and explore some of the city's growing network of cycleways and shared paths.
The Flat White Ride initiative will showcase quieter, more connected cycling routes through West Auckland, linking local cafés, commuter routes and shared paths so people can get outside, stretch their legs and discover more of their city.
The Flat White Ride will also shine a spotlight on Te Whau Pathway, creating an opportunity for more Aucklanders to experience the new infrastructure connecting communities around the Whau river.
Carla Gee, CEO of EcoMatters Environment Trust, says the Flat White Ride is designed to make cycling feel easy, social and enjoyable.
“The emphasis is deliberately social and accessible: you don't need to be a serious cyclist. Grab a bike, choose a route, meet a friend, find a good coffee and enjoy being active in your city.”
Christchurch / Ōtautahi: bringing people together along the Ōtākaro Avon
In Christchurch, Bupa is partnering with Christchurch City Council and the Avon-Ōtākaro Network, supporting activities that bring people into the city's public spaces and connect wellbeing, community and the natural environment.
That includes World Rivers Day on 27 September, where music, dance, art and community activities will help bring people together along the Ōtākaro Avon River.
Bupa is also supporting Welcoming Week in September, which celebrates the many cultures, communities and stories that make Ōtautahi home. Part of Welcoming Week is a planting day supported by Council Park Rangers and the NZ Chinese Creative Arts and Culture Troupe.
Together, the initiatives encourage people to get outside, explore their city, meet others and experience the connection between vibrant communities and natural environments.
ACC joins the movement
Bupa is also welcoming ACC as a participating organisation in the Healthy Cities challenge for 2026, bringing together a shared focus on helping New Zealanders stay active and well for longer.
ACC has a strong focus on injury prevention and supporting New Zealanders to maintain active lifestyles, including programmes helping older New Zealanders improve strength and balance and maintain their independence.
Pedro Sánchez says ACC is a natural partner for Healthy Cities.
"There is a powerful preventative health story here. Staying active, maintaining strength and balance, getting outside and remaining connected with our communities all matter as we get older.
"ACC understands better than most the difference prevention can make. We're delighted to have them alongside us and to bring that perspective into Healthy Cities."
More steps, more trees
Healthy Cities comes alive at Bupa throughout September, when thousands of Bupa people and residents across Asia Pacific challenge themselves and each other to move more.
Walking to work counts. So does cycling, dancing, gardening, taking the dog out, exploring a new pathway or simply adding a few more steps to the day.
The collective activity unlocks Bupa investment in environmental regeneration projects, - creating a direct connection between looking after our own health and looking after the health of the planet.
Last year, New Zealand contributed 320 million steps towards more than one billion steps across Bupa Asia Pacific, helping unlock the planting of more than 16,000 trees in New Zealand and tens of thousands more in Australia.
