What is Project Energize?

Energize is a project for Waikato primary and intermediate schools to improve children's physical activity and nutrition, and ultimately to improve their overall health.

The programme is delivered by a team of Energizers and each Energizer supports a number of schools in their geographic area. Briefly, Energizers are available to provide practical ‘hands on’ support and assistance to schools and teachers with any initiatives that will increase the quality and quantity of physical activity or improve the uptake of healthy eating.

We know that our children, along with the rest of our community, have increased health problems such as lack of fitness, poor teeth, poor bone strength, and increasing obesity. The health problems are all associated with decreasing physical activity, increased inactive time, decreased intake of calcium, fruit, vegetables, and increased intake of fat and sugar-dense food and drink. Energize has been designed to improve our children's health.

Energize began in 2004 as a randomised control trial in Waikato primary schools. There were 62 programme and 63 control schools. Following a successful trial the programme was extended and offered to all control schools and eventually extended even further to include all Waikato primary and intermediate schools. Currently Energize services the 244 primary and intermediate schools in the Waikato District Health Board catchment area which extends from Coromandel to Taumaranui.

This programme is funded by the Waikato District Health Board. Click here to link to their news page

• Primary Schools: Team Energize
• - About Us
• - Background
  - How we work (philosophy)
  - What we do (goals)
  - Who we work with
  - Meet the team
  - Is it working?
- Teachers
• - Energize Newsletter
- Parents
- Kids
• KiwiSport
• Secondary Schools
• - Newsletter
  - Events & Courses
  - Resources
  - Results
  - Online Registration Forms