The District has a number of positives but also some negatives relating to people’s physical and mental health and well being.
Frequency of moderate physical activity
The District has a wide range of recreational facilities and outdoor areas for people to take part in regular physical activity and the uptake is significant, however there is still a percentage of the population that does very little or no physical exercise.
Perceptions of personal health / Mental health / Life expectancy at birth
Generally the majority of the District’s population is in good health and there is strong public health support for community wellness. However access to medical/health services for the projected increase of an ageing population and for the District’s large Maori population will be an ongoing challenge.
Perceptions of personal health
Mental Health
Life expectancy at birth
Barriers to emergency healthcare / Barriers to primary healthcare
The large geographical and largely rural nature of the District does create some barriers to speedy access to emergency services and this will need to be addressed as the District’s population continues to increase with many growth centres in outlying rural areas.Affordable healthcare is another challenge in a District with such disparate levels of income and age brackets. Good access to healthcare is compromised by people’s lack of ability to afford medical help.
Barriers to emergency healthcare
Barriers to primary healthcare
Quality of reticulated water
A quality potable water supply is essential for the health of any community. The District prides itself in achieving top quality water under the Ministry of Health Drinking Water Standards with access to underground bore water of the highest standard (Bb Grade) for all its communities.
Housing affordability / Uptake of Papakainga housing
Housing affordability is one of the greatest challenges facing the District due to the percentage of the population aged over 65 years and on fixed incomes, a relatively high percentage of low-income families and a large Maori community. The development of a pilot papakainga concept is an initiative undertaken by one marae in the District to give affordable access to housing for Maori families.
Housing affordability
Uptake of Papakainga housing
Perception of freedom from crime
Everyone has the right to live without the fear of crime and to travel in an environment where the roading infrastructure is safe.While the District presents a relatively safe environment during the daytime, there is a perception in the community that safety is under threat after dark in neighbourhoods and town centres.
Traffic levels on unsealed roads / Level of road accidents
Rapid population growth in the District has increased the priority on developing a safe roading infrastructure.Unsealed and narrow rural roads are spread throughout the District. The dust generated from unsealed roads impacts on people’s health, income and lifestyle and the narrow, winding nature of some of the rural roads can compromise motorists’ safety.A high volume of heavy traffic on main highways, generated by the Port of Tauranga and the large horticultural/agricultural industry places further pressure on roading infrastructure.The District runs year-round road safety campaigns and a road safety forum dedicated to reducing the level of road traffic fatalities and injury.
Traffic levels on unsealed roads
Level of road accidents