In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the role that physical activity and lifestyle changes play in preventing and managing chronic health conditions. One approach that combines clinical referral with community-based support is Green Prescription, a health initiative endorsed by the Ministry of Health and implemented by organisations such as Harbour Sport.
Harbour Sport’s Active for Life – Green Prescription programme is designed for adults aged 18 and over who would benefit from becoming more active. Unlike a traditional prescription for medication, a Green Prescription encourages people to improve their health through increased physical activity, better nutrition, and wellbeing-focused behaviour changes.
What the Green Prescription offers
Participants usually enter the programme via a referral from a GP or a nurse, although self-referral is also an option. Once referred, they are contacted by Harbour Sport staff and offered a personalised consultation to discuss their current lifestyle, health concerns, and goals. From there, participants receive tailored support over three months to help them adopt and maintain healthier habits.
The programme includes regular follow-ups through phone calls, in-person meetings, or group sessions. Participants are encouraged to engage in a variety of physical activity options, such as walking groups, gym sessions, or low-impact fitness classes, tailored to their individual needs and abilities. Harbour Sport also collaborates with local fitness providers and community centres to offer discounted access to facilities and classes.
Nutrition education is another important aspect of the programme. One-on-one discussions with trained advisors help participants learn how to make healthier food choices, read food labels effectively, and prepare balanced meals. These sessions are not about strict dieting but about fostering sustainable changes in eating patterns.
In addition to activity and nutrition support, Harbour Sport provides tools such as body composition scans to help individuals track their progress. These scans use bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology and are available at low cost to participants.
Where is the Green Prescription available?
The Active for Life programme currently operates in the Waitematā region, including the North Shore, West Auckland, and Rodney districts. It supports over 4,500 people annually and caters to a wide demographic, with services offered in multiple languages, including te reo Māori, Samoan, Mandarin, and more.
Evaluations of the programme suggest that participants often report increased confidence, improve energy levels, and a better understanding of how to manage their health independently. While the core support period is three months, many individuals continue their health journeys long after the programme finishes.
Harbour Sport’s Active For Life – Green Prescription is a structured, supportive initiative that combines professional guidance with accessible community-based resources. It offers a practical way for adults to take control of their health through gradual, achievable changes, promoting not just physical fitness, but overall wellbeing.
