How do you like to stay physically active in the Bay of Plenty, particularly in your own respective constituency? 

I've just had a baby so we're doing a lot of really fun walks together. Well, I walk...he's only 3 months old so he gets to enjoy the scenery.

How important do you believe physical activity to be and why? 

It's incredibly important to stay physically active. There is so much benefit especially for me personally. I am a cancer survivor and due to that I am in a constant state of hypothyroidism so, physical exercise helps with my lymphoedema (I collect a lot of fluid in my face if I'm not active) and contributes to an overall feeling of wellness.

What priorities has your party identified that will support the infrastructure, systems and policies that underpin physical activity opportunities for your constituents? 

We have yet to release that, but having an active community is very important and beneficial. It not only makes us feel better the mental health benefits are also significant and that helps everyone.

How do you like to stay physically active in the Bay of Plenty, particularly in your own respective constituency? 

Running around or up the Mount, circuit training and surfing when the stars align and a window opens.

How important do you believe physical activity to be and why? 

Crucially important, for both mental and physical wellbeing.

What priorities has your party identified that will support the infrastructure, systems and policies that underpin physical activity opportunities for your constituents? 

I will always support people to find the time to be active and fit physical activity into their schedule.

How do you like to stay physically active in the Bay of Plenty, particularly in your own respective constituency? 

I'm quite a physically active person. I teach martial arts and self defence as my hustle. I like going around and sometimes up the Mount. When the sea reaches +19°C I swim, body board and try getting up on my surfing. I go to the gym and use the local facilities like Baywave, Mount Hot Pools and local sports venues. Sometimes I join in with racket sports and crazy team challenges.

How important do you believe physical activity to be and why? 

It's very, very, very important to stay active. Anyone who has seen the Netflix series on "Blue Zones" will know this is an essential ingredient for longevity. If you want good health in general some form of physical activity is the key. It could be gardening
or walking and doesn't have to be strenuous. I could talk about this subject all day. Why? Well use it or lose it. Better health and well-being. Better mental health.

What priorities has your party identified that will support the infrastructure, systems and policies that underpin physical activity opportunities for your constituents? 

Go Sport NZ. Go Sport BOP. ACT is a liberal party that promotes personal responsibility. Go out there with friends and family and just get active. Exercise is free! Nothing worse than central government telling me to exercise. Just do it.

How do you like to stay physically active in the Bay of Plenty, particularly in your own respective constituency? 

I run regularly; around town, on the beaches and trails in Papamoa hills and Otawa trig, parkrun. I also surf and sail in our beautiful moana.

How important do you believe physical activity to be and why? 

Extremely important. My own experiences show me the huge part this has to play in my health and mental wellbeing. This is supported by the many other participants I engage with as well as by a wealth of research.

What priorities has your party identified that will support the infrastructure, systems and policies that underpin physical activity opportunities for your constituents? 

The Green Party will introduce a basic Minimum Income and increase Working for Families, taking away the financial barriers that many people experience in joining or accessing sports (and equipment for). We will also improve funding for local sports and recreational facilities along with much improved public transport availability and pricing, facilitating access.

How do you like to stay physically active in the Bay of Plenty, particularly in your own respective constituency? 

I play and am involved with a number of sporting organisations in the Bay of Plenty, including as a New Zealand Hockey Umpire and local Tauranga Hockey Official, Bay of Plenty Rugby Referee and captain at the Greerton Cricket Club. Outside of this, I’m a volunteer firefighter at the Mount Maunganui Fire Station, which can be a physically demanding role, and my partner Hannah and I go to the BFT Gym in Mount Maunganui and we love to climb Mauao (Mount Maunganui) as regularly as we can.

How important do you believe physical activity to be and why? 

I believe being physically active is hugely important, not only for helping to manage weight, reduce risk of diseases, strengthen bones and muscles, but also the improvements for brain health and our increased ability to do everyday activities. On a personal note, I was raised in a family where sport was part of our fabric. Weekend sport, along with sports trainings during the week, was a regular in our household, especially for me as I played hockey, football and cricket.

What priorities has your party identified that will support the infrastructure, systems and policies that underpin physical activity opportunities for your constituents? 

While this is predominantly an issue for local government, I’ll be a strong local advocate for green spaces in the Bay of Plenty for people to run, walk or play sports.

How do you like to stay physically active in the Bay of Plenty, particularly in your own respective constituency? 

Right now, I'm keeping active by walking around the neighborhood doorknocking! Typically though, I really enjoy going for walks with my whānau to get my steps up and my cardio going - it often turns into running trying to catch up to my son!

How important do you believe physical activity to be and why? 

Physical activity is incredibly important, to the entirety of a person's hauora. Physical activity can obviously help your physical health, but also your mental and spiritual health as well.

What priorities has your party identified that will support the infrastructure, systems and policies that underpin physical activity opportunities for your constituents? 

While we haven't announced our main sports and recreation policies for the election just yet, Labour is committed to supporting more physical activities in our communities. In the leadup to the FIFA World Cup, we put $19 million into permanent upgrades to sporting facilities to benefit local communities, football clubs and many different sporting codes that use these facilities. We also established the Healthy Active Learners programme in schools which regional sports trusts, regional education offices, and public health units to work together to support schools to implement healthy eating and drinking, and quality physical activity programmes. These are just the two of the many measures that the Labour Government has put in since 2017.

How do you like to stay physically active in the Bay of Plenty, particularly in your own respective constituency? 

Up until my partner and I had a baby, I went to the gym! Now I get on my bike whenever I can to travel to mahi in the mornings. When/if I ever get time, I enjoy long distance cycle touring.

How important do you believe physical activity to be and why? 

Extremely, particularly for low-income whānau who run the risk of already poor diet dictated by the cost of living/poverty....physical activity can at least keep the body fit and able to withstand some of the dietary constraints...

What priorities has your party identified that will support the infrastructure, systems and policies that underpin physical activity opportunities for your constituents? 

Ensure public healthcare services are timely, accessible, and meet the needs of everyone in Aotearoa – including progressively expanding the health services offered through the public system. Empower and resource the Te Aka Whai Ora (the Māori Health Authority) to work in an equal partnership together with the Ministry of Health and Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) to improve outcomes for whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori. Ensure our health system provides appropriate and respectful care for everyone, recognising and honouring diverse life circumstances, and meeting the needs of marginalised groups who currently face barriers to care. Increase funding for PHARMAC so that it can invest in new medicines and health care devices to enhance treatment outcomes and quality of life. Ensure all healthcare workers have fair wages, and workload and conditions that support their wellbeing and the quality of care of their patients. Create Healthy Air standards for ventilation of buildings to reduce the spread of airborne illnesses and provide targeted funding support for retrofits to meet these standards.