A Green Prescription Rōngoa Kākāriki is a programme in New Zealand that aims to support people to become more physically active and make positive changes to their lifestyle. The programme involves a healthcare professional or a trained health coach giving the patient a "prescription" for physical activity and lifestyle changes. This might include:
- Walking alone or in a group
- Swimming or participating in aqua fitness
- Dancing
- Gardening at home or as part of a community or marae garden project
- Playing with your family or whānau in a park or backyard.
The Green Prescription is specifically designed to help those with chronic health conditions or who are at risk of developing health problems, such as obesity or type 2 diabetes. Participants are also provided with information on healthy eating and lifestyle changes to improve overall health.
The programme is free and available to eligible individuals through their primary healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse.
You can refer yourself using the using the Green Prescription website, ask your doctor or nurse to refer you, or be referred by a health coach or health improvement practitioner.
The Green Prescription programme is offered in many regions throughout the country – see the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website to find contact information for all green prescription regions.
Updated: 3 Apr 2024