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Regional | Health

Project Energizer improves well-being of Primary and Intermediate students

Project Energizer which works on nutrition and the physical well-being of tamariki celebrates 10 years in service.

With funding from the Waikato District Health Board in 2005, the programme started as a randomised trial in primary and intermediate schools within the Waikato region.

Team Energize member Richard Battersby says, "The aim is to increase the health of the children, nutritionally and through physical activities, just getting healthier, fitter and happier children."

From the beginning, Whatawhata Primary school have had the programme and today they continue maintaining Project Energize.

Lead teacher Amy Lake says, "We have made so many changes in the last 10 years that they have been in here, and the biggest change has been in the attitude of the kids, and what we see them doing in how they are behaving, and how they talk to each other, how they talk about food, and how they talk about sports has really made a difference."

The programme costs $45 per child and runs in 244 primary and intermediate schools.