Over the past six years, Under 5 Energize has worked alongside 121 Early Childhood centres and we are delighted that forty percent of the original centres who started with Under 5 Energize six years ago have implemented policy and practice changes, and have been identified as now being ready for maintenance phase. These centres are ‘walking the talk’, with positive changes to both their physical activity environment and healthy eating messages.

Due to these centres now being on maintenance, we are able to invite new centres to become a part of the Under 5 Energize whaanau, increasing the Under 5 Energize centres to 136. As at 2019, the reach through centres and into homes is in excess of 5500 tamariki and 4750 whaanau.

Through a variety of methods and the provision of specialist skills, the Under 5 Energize team supports and educates Early Childhood Educators in four districts, to enable behavioural changes that positively influence young children’s overall health and wellness.

These methods include promotion, education and facilitation of workshops and learning displays. Essentially, we lead and enable parents and educators to increase physical activity and improve nutrition for children under five years of age as they begin their physical literacy pathway.