March 1, 2006
Steppers support Trans Tasman Masters
With the Trans Tasman Masters Games fast approaching, North Shore City Council staff are taking to the beach for some
last-minute training.
Staff will take part in the 5km walk from Milford Beach to Takapuna on Wednesday, March 15 at 1pm.
They have been taking part in the 10,000 Steps@Work programme at council, which aims to improve health and wellbeing by
injecting more physical activity into each day.
North Shore City's chief executive, John Brockies, says more than 300 people have done 10,000 Steps.
"We've got some tremendous success stories - not only are people fitter and healthier, they've lost weight, stopped
smoking and are managing stress better," he says.
"The added benefits are that the number of sick days have gone down, and people from all parts of our workforce have got
to know each other better."
People taking part in the 12-week programme, run by local firm Health and Human Performance, wear a pedometer to count
how many steps they do each day, and receive a health assessment as well as advice on nutrition and injury prevention.
As well as the health benefits, 10,000 Steps@Work is about having fun. Teams taking part make use of Takapuna Beach at
lunch times to increase their step count.
Having some serious fun is also the motto of the Trans Tasman Masters Games, which are being held in North Shore City
from March 11 to 18.
The aim is to have fun, form friendships and enjoy participating in more than 30 events from golf to alpine skiing.
The games are held in North Shore City once every two years, with Australia's Newcastle and Lake Macquarie city councils
hosting it the other years.
This year the games village is at Takapuna Boating Club, and the opening event on the reserve outside on Friday, March
10, will include music, a Maori welcome, guest speakers including Mayor George Wood, and entertainment by the Yandall
Sisters and Martini and the Shakers.
There is still time to enter, so please visit www.transtasmanmasters.com
ENDS