Sport Northland’s Green Prescription Programme has teamed up with the Bariatric Programme at Whangarei Hospital, creating a supportive and empowering pathway for individuals on their weight-loss surgery journey.

This collaboration is designed to help individuals build sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes that complement their surgical care. Green Prescription offers participants personalised support in physical activity and nutrition – key components in the bariatric journey.

“It’s about more than just surgery” says Claudia Ashby, Healthy Lifestyle Team Lead. “We’re here to walk alongside people, helping them build knowledge, confidence and healthy habits that last a lifetime.”

In an exciting development, Green Prescription will soon begin presenting at the Bariatric Programme’s initial patient workshop – a required step for all individuals entering the programme. This new addition aims to introduce patients early on to the benefits of community-based support, helping them feel more confident and connected from the very beginning of their journey.

The Green Prescription Programme offers participants one-on-one support with regular check in’s, all tailored to each person’s needs and goals. It is a holistic approach that encourages participants to take charge of their health in a way that feels achievable to them.

This partnership reflects a growing movement toward integrated, community-driven healthcare, where clinical expertise and community support work hand in hand to uplift the wellbeing of those in Te Tai Tokerau.

At Sport Northland we exist to enrich people’s lives by inspiring and enabling more movement and one of the ways we do this is through Green Prescription - supporting people on their journey.  If you would like some support with your activity goals, give us a call on phone 0800 ACTIVE …..we are here to help.

Article written by Claudia Ashby, Healthy Lifestyle Team Lead