Te Runanga O Ngati Pikiao Trust Receives First Health Award

MEDIA RELEASE

5 April 2011

Te Runanga O Ngati Pikiao Trust Receives the First Top Health Award in the Lakes Region

Te Runanga O Ngati Pikiao Trust has been awarded a prestigious award for its efforts to improve the health of its workforce. The WorkWell Bronze Standard Accreditation was presented to Te Runanga O Ngati Pikiao Trust at the Trust’s Rotorua office on Friday 1st of April in recognition of its commitment to staff health and wellbeing.

The Trust’s actions in areas such as healthy eating, physical activity and smoking, contributed to the achievement of Bronze Accreditation. The Trust also provided information to staff on topical health issues such as cancer, sensible drinking and men’s health. Some employees have reduced their smoking consumption or started on a fitness regime as a result of the Trust’s involvement with WorkWell.

“We are delighted that our efforts and those of our staff have been recognised by WorkWell,” said Ms Bella Moke, General Manager of Te Runanga O Ngati Pikiao Trust. “There’s no doubt that any organisation’s greatest asset is its staff, so it makes absolute business sense to help your workforce lead healthier lives. WorkWell is a great way to introduce healthy policies and practices into the workplace and boost the health and morale of your workforce.”

WorkWell is a free, workplace wellness accreditation programme which rewards businesses and organisations who take steps to improve the health of their workforce. WorkWell is managed and facilitated by Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service and was established in 2010 to address the region’s poor health record and to boost the region’s image as an international business location.

Over 30 employers and 7,500 employees in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes District Health Board regions participate in the accreditation programme.

“We spend much of our waking hours at work. Involving workplaces in promoting healthy lifestyles is a key opportunity for New Zealand to improve its health record. Te Runanga O Ngati Pikiao Trust has provided an excellent example of what can be achieved in a workplace setting and I hope that other businesses will follow their lead” says Dr Phil Shoemack, Medical Officer of Health for Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service.

WorkWell is open to all workplaces in Bay of Plenty and Lakes District Health Board regions and is free to join. For further information visit the WorkWell website at www.workwell.health.nz

ENDS

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