Exercise on Prescription (EOP)

Funded and supported by Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC), Lake Taupo PHO, Sport Waikato and Taupo District Council, this 10-week structured programme is provided in both Taupo and Turangi. It involves one-on-one motivational support which aims to influence positive changes in lifestyle of its participants. The participants are encouraged and taught how to increase and incorporate regular physical activity into their daily lives. The participants consist of sufferers of a range of mild to chronic physical and mental conditions and are referred to the programme by the regions GP's via the Green Prescription programme (ask your GP for details).

EoP co-ordinators from left: Alix Sinclair and Katrina McGuinn.

The Taupo programme is run at the Taupo Events Centre. The Turangi programme is run by Te Wharioa Sports Trust. The Trust offers an in-the-home service and also utilises the Turangi Pavilion as an activity centre. To read more about EoP click HERE. ( 18 kb PDF )

Key Elements

Participants Participants are referred on to the Exercise on Prescription Scheme by their General Practitioner through the Green Prescription framework.
Participants go on the scheme for a 10 week period, though some patients may be given a second prescription.
Participants are given a full health assessment prior to starting the scheme. This consists of both physical tests and a physiological questionnaire.
The participants will be assessed after five weeks of exercising and on the completion of the 10 week programme.
Participants will have educational sessions within their 10 week programme to assist their understanding of the benefits of exercise and healthy lifestyles.
A full evaluation process will take place at regular intervals to assess the success and long term benefits for the participants who have been on the scheme.

On-going support is being made available to participants who have completed complete the course.

For further information please contact the Exercise on Prescription Project Facilitator, Taupo District Council osumich@taupo.govt.nz or Phone (07) 376 0804.

Latest News and Issues

To view the media release September, 2006 click HERE. Exercise on Prescription (EoP) is a ten week physical activity programme available in Turangi.

Previous News and Issues

To view the media release March, 2006 click HERE. Work hours for co-ordinators for the Taupo based Exercise on Prescription scheme have been temporarily boosted to keep up with demand.
To view TDC's submission to the Health Select Committee click HERE. ( 40 kb PDF )
To view the media release October, 2005 click HERE. A second person is being employed to keep up with the number of people being referred to a new Taupo based Exercise on Prescription Scheme.
To view the media release June, 2005 click HERE. More than 50 people have qualified for Taupo’s Exercise on Prescription Scheme...
To view the media release February, 2005 click HERE. ...The EOP Scheme launched ... is a sister programme to the national Green Prescription model, offering participants 10 weeks of free one-on-one personal fitness coaching...
To view the media release October, 2004 click HERE. Turangi patients can now take advantage of Taupo district’s Exercise on Prescription scheme...
To view the media release August, 2004 click HERE. ...An innovative scheme to help Taupo people improve their health and change their lifestyles through physical activity...