This is a story about how important support is, and how it plays an integral part in achieving positive outcomes.

Since 10 year old Mya Matafeo-Slack from Whangarei joined the Green Prescription (GRx) Active Families programme, she has made some magnificent changes to improve her lifestyle.  

Mya has enjoyed meeting with Active Families Coordinator, Ronda Le Lievre.  During the many visits she has learnt about healthy foods, balanced with a good variety of physical activity.  Having support from her whanau was also very important and Mya’s mum, Kirsty, made an incredible effort to provide her tamariki with healthier options.

Mya and her elder sister make their own school lunches, usually the night before, because mornings are always too busy.

Mya wanted to work towards improving her lunch box. She slowly began reducing all sugary food and drink.  She swapped packets of chippies and biscuits for fruit, rice crackers, and raw vegetables with a low-fat dip or hummus.  Ronda helped with providing lots of new ideas, with the emphasis on making healthier choices, improving nutrition overall.  Mya now eats 5+ a day from her lunch box! 

Mya has also learned the importance of keeping her body hydrated, and worked towards increasing her daily water intake.  Taking a drink bottle to school every day soon became a habit for Mya and before she knew it, she was in a good routine.  Mya then turned to her younger siblings to encourage them, and everyone in the whanau, to drink more water too.  Kirsty says “I sometimes struggle for space in the fridge with all 5 drink bottles!”

Learning about food portions and serving sizes was really helpful.   Mya adjusted her daily foods to the recommended standards.  The benefits have been keeping Mya’s weight in control and providing a good balance to her diet.

As for physical activity, Mya is an active young lady who enjoys most sports, playing netball competitively. “Mya tells me she would like to represent NZ and play in the Silver Ferns.  Kia kaha” says Ronda. 

Mya also increased her fitness level at every testing since she started with Active Families and has lots of awhi from her Nana who participates with Mya in local run/walk events, way to go Nan - an inspiration to us all!

Proud Mum Kirsty Slack shares her thoughts:

“Mya has always been active, participating in many of the fun run events with Nana. We have shared what we have learnt with family and instead of Nana bringing cream buns for Friday treat for the kids; she now brings milk and crackers.”  She adds, “Being aware of why and how we should eat has been the biggest learning curve for Mya, and it has been helpful learning about this together as a family.  The techniques learnt and tips gained are beneficial for us all.” 

Now, graduated from the Programme, Mya and her whanau are motivated to continue with the magnificent changes they have made.

Ronda says “I have enjoyed visiting and working together with the whanau each month and I am very proud to share achievements with other GRx whanau and kids wanting to do exactly what you Mya has done.  I wish you all the best in keeping active and eating healthy.” 

Tino pai mahi ki a whanau katoa.  

Tu meke mai!