HealthyAs! Exclusive!
NPA team exposed.
Reports that the NPA team are crazy were confirmed last week when they ran, screaming, into icy waters off Tahunanui Beach.
One staff member was seen pretending to be a sea monster, while another painted his body green, proclaimed himself the ‘Hulk’ and rode shirtless along Rocks Road.
grrr I'm a sea monster: NPA programme manager Richard Butler
Not-so-incredible-Hulk: NPA communications coordinator Adam Hicks shows off his painted on six pack
These pictures captured the NPA team and their associates in the midst of shenanigans that landed them prominent coverage in our two biggest daily newspapers.
Green tent: the calm before the swim
They're off: the madness begins with a dash down the beach
Better than oz?: Aussie expats and Jenni Gane and Helen Steenbergen compare Tahunanui to Bondi
They're off - and racing
But as NPA programme director Helen Steenbergen explained, it was a great result for the team.
“The event was the media launch for the Spring Challenge, the latest instalment, in our public education campaign designed to support local families in their struggle to get kids eating more vegetables and doing more exercise,” she said.
“It’s about celebrating all that is fresh and green and great about spring across the top of the South.
“As part of the campaign, we’ll be challenging everyone across the top of the south to take a swim at the beach (or river) while the water is still cold.
Wait up: Hicks struggles to keep up with speedy Cedar At this stage, those who wore wetsuits were glad
Last chance: the crew take a minute to pose for one last pre-swim photo
“And from where we sit, it would be hypocritical to expect people to jump into cold water if we’re not willing to do it ourselves.”
“We’ll do everything we can to help inspire and support the community to join our campaign for healthier living.”
The NPA weren’t alone with Public Health and Green Prescription jumping in alongside Primary and Community general manager Peter Burton and DHB board member Judy Crowe.
Paint me in: DHB board member Judy Crowe gets in the spirit
- Public Health: Martha and Les left to wonder how Peter Bassett managed to stay dry
Ireland and Cedar race from the water
Why did I agree to do this: Peter Burton
Kick it: Helen Steenbergen splashes those who stayed on the beach
You can do it: Luke Katu cheers on the stragglers
Helen said the Spring Challenge was designed to inspire kids and motivate parents.
“We are challenging the kids across the top of the south to turn off their Playstations, and try fresh foods and get into action,” Mrs Steenbergen said.
It's not easy being green
“It tastes way better and is heaps more fun than blobbing on the couch.
“And the challenges are designed to get the most out of what we have locally so that doing the right thing won’t cost a lot of money.
Mya was a green dog
The campaign is engaging 5000 families across the top of south in the challenge, with the distribution of groovy green bags for parents, green shoelaces and corn seeds for the kids and touch footballs for the 26 primary schools involved (including 12 schools in Marlborough).
It uses the colour green to promote in-season produce and play-time action.
Move over Mr T: It's Mr K 'I ain't scared of a little cold water - I pidy tha sea'
Drying out: Butler warms up with some 'green' leek and potato soup
