Pedro Sanchez, Managing Director of Bupa New Zealand, said, “Healthy Cities Challenge connects our people to the concept of Healthy People, Healthy Planet. With our 320 million steps unlocking over $1 million to be invested in nature regeneration projects across Australia and New Zealand, we’re proud to make a tangible impact on both community health and environmental wellbeing.”
Across the three Bupa Healthy Cities Challenges to date, participants have now enabled 500,000 native plants and trees to be planted across the Asia-Pacific region.
“Health and wellbeing are core to the Healthy Cities initiative,” Pedro said. “It was inspiring to see team members and residents embracing the outdoors, exercising, and enjoying each other’s company.
“The wellbeing-themed competitions brought this to life, with hundreds of participants sharing personal reflections on how they nurture their physical and mental health, building stronger communities in the process.”
Bupa’s partnership with Auckland Council during Celebrating Play Month also took the Healthy Cities message to Aucklanders. Over 1,000 adults and children took part in intergenerational activities in Auckland’s parks, “showing that play and movement are lifelong pursuits and we should do everything we can to stay active and connected. It’s good for our health,” said Pedro.
The Healthy Cities results come as new Bupa NZ research reveals what really makes New Zealanders feel healthy.
According to the study, 75% of Kiwis believe they live in the healthiest place for them, with access to nature, trees and walkable streets topping the list of what contributes most to feeling healthy.
Walking was found to be the most common form of exercise for New Zealanders, 74% say they walk regularly, averaging 7.6 hours per week, nearly an hour more than Australians.
Pedro said the findings underline the importance of initiatives like Healthy Cities: “New Zealanders clearly value connection with nature and movement as key to feeling healthy. Our Healthy Cities Challenge and community partnerships are designed to bring those values to life, creating opportunities for people to move more, connect more, and contribute to a healthier planet.”
