AusLeisure

Members of the New Zealand Parliament from across the political spectrum are preparing to lace up their sneakers and lead by example as part of the Fit For Office (F4O) Challenge.

Set to launch at 8:15am on Wednesday 5th March 2025 on the steps of the New Zealand Parliament in Wellington, the three-week initiative, supported by the Exercise Association of New Zealand (ExerciseNZ), aims to promote the importance of regular physical activity while adding a fun, competitive edge among MPs.

With fitness trackers strapped on, participating MPs will engage in daily movement and track their physical activity, showcasing the benefits of exercise not just for the public but for those in leadership positions.

ExerciseNZ’s officiating of the event will start with the distribution of ng Myzone heart rate monitors to MPs ready to begin their activity journey.

Emphasises the significance of the initiative, ExerciseNZ Chief Executive, Richard Beddie stated “Fit For Office is about showing that no matter how busy your schedule, there’s always time to prioritise your health. Our MPs are leaders in many ways, and by actively engaging in this challenge, they are setting an example for all New Zealanders to incorporate movement into their daily routines.”

The initiative supports ongoing research that continues to highlight the significant mental and physical benefits of regular exercise. Just 15 minutes of movement per day can lead to:

• 4% improvement in overall fitness
• 12% increase in energy levels
• 8% better sleep quality

A global report on the economic and health costs of physical inactivity by Deliotte found the New Zealand economy loses over $2.3 billion annually due to inactivity, of which $650 million is by way of increased taxpayer funded healthcare costs.

This challenge encourages all forms of physical activity, from simple tasks like walking and gardening to high-intensity workouts, ensuring MPs can participate regardless of their current fitness levels.

Using Myzone wearable technology, MPs will track their movement and engage in friendly competition via a private leaderboard, with the ultimate goal of achieving 1,000 Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) in three weeks, aligning with World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity.

The initiative also focuses on practical ways to increase movement, including:

• Group Activities - Exercising with colleagues, family, or friends for motivation.
• Incidental Exercise - Walking, cycling, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Goal Setting - Encouraging MPs to set personal movement goals and track their progress.

The launch event will be open to the media, providing an opportunity to capture MPs embracing healthier lifestyles. MPs will also be encouraged to share their journeys on social media throughout the challenge.

The initiative follows similar challenges in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Related Articles

21st February 2025 - New Zealand’s fitness industry set for significant growth in 2025

30th January 2025 - ExerciseNZ urges New Zealanders to make movement an essential part of their daily lives

27th January 2025 - Myzone establishes global industry advisory group 

30th December 2024 - ExerciseNZ calls on New Zealanders to set exercise goals that stick in 2025

20th November 2024 - Federal Parliamentarians join with AUSactive to launch 2024 Fit for Office challenge

8th November 2024 - ExerciseNZ backs Movember men’s health initiative

9th July 2024 - ExerciseNZ invites entries for 2024 New Zealand Exercise Industry Awards

9th April 2024 - World Health Organization Youth Council urges Parliamentary Action on Health Coverage

15th December 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie contributes at World Health Organization meeting

26th May 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie critical of New Zealand Government’s focus on elite sport spending

13th April 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie at the formation of new global organisation World Active

17th March 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie to chair IHRSA world exercise event in San Diego

21st February 2023 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie appointed to IHRSA Board of Directors

28th December 2022 - ExerciseNZ survey shows New Zealand’s fitness industry has bounced back

2nd November 2022 - ExerciseNZ highlight why staying physically active will reduce cognitive decline

23rd September 2022 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie says exercising for mental health is ‘critical’

19th August 2022 - ExerciseNZ’s Richard Beddie calls for New Zealand Government to deliver clear messages on the benefits of activity

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.