Healthy Families Manukau, Manurewa-Papakura congratulate Auckland Transport and the Te Ara Mua researchers on the completion of Te Ara Mua – Future Streets in Mangere.
The newly built infrastructure, which will be celebrated tomorrow (Thursday 22 September), will help community realise the potential of walking and cycling around their neighbourhood.
“We support Future Streets because the health benefits are tangible,” says Healthy Families Manukau, Manurewa-Papakura Settings Co-ordination Manager Jayesh Parekh. “It makes it easier for people to incorporate walking and cycling, encouraging greater incidental movement for short trips as a part of daily life.”
He adds: “Tomorrow’s celebration is continuing the message of creating healthy communities through urban design.”
Working closely with the organisers, Healthy Families Manukau, Manurewa-Papakura are helping to ensure consistent messages around ‘healthy streets’ are being delivered within the event. In a first since Auckland Council introduced its new drink policy across all leisure centres, the celebration will be water-only, free of sugar-sweetened beverages.
To support this healthier drink option the Te Ara Mua – Future Streets team have also used a draft healthy catering guideline offered by Healthy Families Manukau, Manurewa-Papakura as a trial for the event. While a sausage sizzle is being offered on the day, brown bread and low salt/sugar options for sauces will be introduced in an effort to make small changes, signifying progress in creating healthier eating environments for our community.
Tomorrow’s community celebration will take place at the Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Leisure Centre on Waddon Place, Mangere from 4-7pm.
