HUNTING IS ACTIVE RECREATION

As defined by Sport New Zealand “Active Recreation” is non-competitive physical activity for the purpose of wellbeing and enjoyment. It includes activities that occur in built, landscaped and natural environments (including outdoor recreation, fitness/exercise, community recreation, aquatics), are undertaken by individuals and by groups, and occur with and without the involvement of a ‘provider’ group or organisation (that is, can be undertaken independently).

Without needing to dive into the New Zealand population health statistics, we do know that lifestyle-related health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular (heart) disease and mental health are not improving, despite the amazing work that many agencies and individuals contribute to these fields. Our ever-changing environments create havoc in making healthy lifestyle choices. Nutrition choices have a significant impact on our risk of developing health conditions but the focus for this article will focus on the impacts of physical