Green Prescription programme delivering big returns for Bay of Plenty

A recent national evaluation of Health NZ’s Green Prescription programme has underscored its immense return on investment and effectiveness as a primary care intervention.

The evaluation, conducted by the NZ Institute of Economic Research, estimated benefits of $5,023 per participating adult and $2,191 per young person, translating to an overall return of $14 per dollar invested by funders in the Adult Green Prescription programme and nearly $8 per dollar invested in the Active Families initiative.

The benefits captured and valued by the evaluation include improved wellbeing, quality of life and life expectancy, along with other tangible cost-savings such as reduced use of health services, avoided costs of long-term health conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, reduced falls in older people and reduced dependence on disability and other long-term benefits.

In the Bay of Plenty, Green Prescription is making significant strides, not only in improving physical activity and nutrition but also in adapting service delivery to better meet community needs. Delivered by Sport Bay of Plenty and funded by Te Whatu Ora Health NZ and primary health organisations, the programme supports adults and families across the Eastern, Western, and Central Bay of Plenty districts.

Since 2021, there has been a 22 per cent increase in referrals to the Green Prescription programme. However, instead of lengthening waitlists, Sport Bay of Plenty has successfully implemented a tiered service model to ensure equitable access and tailored support for clients with varying needs. This streamlined approach ensures that those who require minimal support can still access the programme while freeing up resources for clients whose needs don’t match a structured and traditional way of service delivery.

The success of this local adaptation aligns with the broader national evaluation, which highlighted the crucial role of Regional Sports Trusts (RSTs) in delivering Green Prescription. RSTs, including Sport Bay of Plenty, have deep connections within their communities and have been recognised for their cultural competence in working with Māori, disabled people, refugees, and ethnic minority communities.

Sport Bay of Plenty’s General Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Larissa Cuff, notes that the growing popularity of the programme and increased referrals highlight the need for a more flexible and accessible approach.

"Creating a healthier Bay of Plenty requires more than just good intentions—it takes strategic action and community-driven solutions.

“The Green Prescription programme is more than just movement and nutrition; it’s about equipping individuals and whānau with the tools to take control of their wellbeing.

“By investing in proactive health initiatives, we are not only transforming lives today but also building a stronger, more resilient region for the future."

Looking ahead, the newly established RST Network, which includes 17 RSTs nationwide, has the potential to further enhance the effectiveness of Green Prescription by coordinating efforts on a national scale while maintaining a strong local focus.

With its proven economic benefits and ability to improve health outcomes, Green Prescription is not just an effective health initiative—it is a crucial investment in the wellbeing of communities across New Zealand. In the Bay of Plenty, its evolving, person-centred approach ensures that more people than ever can access and benefit from this life-changing programme.

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