Senior doctors and dentists at Health NZ public hospitals and health services plan to strike for 48 hours on Tuesday 23 September and Wednesday 24 September. Emergency departments will be open for emergencies only. GPs, after-hours and urgent care clinics, and other community health providers are not affected by the strike and will continue to operate as normal.
About the strike
Support for getting active
There are several initiatives to help adults living in the Canterbury region to get physically active. Some are free or subsidised and others you may have to pay for.
Comcare Trust
Comcare Trust provides Activelinks. This programme is for people aged 18 or over with mental health or addiction problems. The programme aims to help them get active.
Activelinks does this by helping you take part in physical activity, sport, recreation and leisure pursuits. You can be referred to us by:
- your healthcare provider
- yourself or a whānau member.
Fill in the referral form below or phone 0800 377 702.
Referral form — Comcare Trustexternal link
Staff with a fitness training qualification and a certificate in mental health support and deliver Activelinks. The aim is to promote independence and involvement in community life with a focus on health and wellbeing.
Support options include:
- individual weekly support for 3 to 6 months
- group support — recreation groups held in community settings in Christchurch and North Canterbury
- Activelife — a specialised healthy living programme teaching people about healthy eating, being more active and making more positive choices in a fun environment.
Community group strength and balance classes
The Live Stronger for Longer website will have details of a strength and balance class near you.
Find a class — Live Stronger for Longerexternal link
Classes are for people aged 50 or older who want to improve their strength and balance and reduce their risk of falling. Most classes are available at low cost.
If you are not sure which class is best for you, you can fill in the self-referral form below or phone 022 495 8470. A coordinator will discuss the options with you and enrol you in a class.
Self-referral form for Live Stronger for Longer — Sport Canterburyexternal link
Emerge Aotearoa
Emerge Aotearoa provides the Activity Based Experience (ABE) programme across Aotearoa New Zealand. This is for people aged over 18 with mental health or addiction problems. You can be referred to us by:
- your healthcare provider
- yourself or a whānau member.
Ka Puta Ka Ora Emerge Aotearoaexternal link
To contact Emerge Aotearoa:
- email ABE@emergeaotearoa.org.nz
- phone 03 371 5599.
The programme offers:
- weekly appointments for 3 months with a skilled community support worker at a location of your choice, such as your home, local park or gym
- participation in community sport and leisure activities, individual or group activities, for example, swimming, tennis, cycling, walking or jogging — some groups may be organised by people who have used the ABE programme in the past.
Physical activity class or programme
Sport Canterbury has information about sport and recreation opportunities, and physical activity classes or programmes, near you. Most activities are available at low or no cost.
There are also classes and programmes for people with specific health conditions, including arthritis, diabetes and heart problems.
Activities directory — Sport Canterburyexternal link
The Christchurch City Council website can help you find one of the more than 60 walking groups across Christchurch. Most groups are available at low or no cost. Walk with a group and get to know your area.
Physiotherapists
A physiotherapist will assess your individual needs and develop an activity plan for you. This plan will help you overcome whatever has made it hard to exercise. It will help you improve your health, wellbeing or performance.
You are likely to have 3 or 4 sessions with your physiotherapist over 3 to 6 months. But this will depend on how much support and advice you want.
Funding to see a physiotherapist might be available from:
- Work and Income, through the disability allowance
- some health insurance policies
- ACC, if you have an accepted claim and seeing a physiotherapist will help your rehabilitation.
Otherwise, you will have to pay for it yourself.
Personal trainers
A personal trainer (a registered exercise professional) can provide safe and effective exercise advice.
REPS — Registered exercise professionals and facilitiesexternal link
Straighten Up
The Straighten Up initiative was developed by the New Zealand Chiropractors' Association. It aims to encourage better posture for better health. The website includes information and exercises you can do to improve your posture.
If you need help with improving your posture, contact your chiropractor or physiotherapist.
Straighten Up NZ — New Zealand Chiropractors' Associationexternal link
The Kind Foundation
The Kind Foundation offers the Life Fit programme for older adults.
Life Fit is not just a programme, it is a community for like-minded older adults to move their bodies together in a fun, safe, friendly and social environment.
There is a small cost to attend sessions. Sessions are held in central Christchurch and Bishopdale.