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Just over 33,000 people live in the Buller, Grey and Westland Districts, a 400 km long region between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea, which is one of the most sparsely populated regions in New Zealand. The remote nature of many small settlements poses specific health challenges, for instance, sewage treatment and disposal, and potable water for small isolated communities.
Staff take a ‘whole of population' approach although our priority groups are Maori, children, young people, low income communities and men. The area attracts more than 1 million visitors a year, who largely come during the spring-summer period. This level of activity, especially in popular destinations such as Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers and around Punakaiki, carries some environmental risks for water contamination and communicable diseases. Sexual health issues are also of concern in a young and transient population.
As partners in Active West Coast, Community and Public Health work with District Councils to promote physical activity. Each Council is improving the opportunities for physical activity in its district. Building has started on the Grey District Aquatic Centre, major developments are occurring in Buller and Westland is implementing their new physical activity strategy. Staff are also contributing to the development of a region-wide walking and cycling strategy.
The Greymouth office has also a Community Health Information Centre, providing a range of health education resources from the Ministry of Health and other providers.
Making a National Difference on Alcohol by the West Coast
Community and Public Health West Coast made verbal and written submissions in late 2010, to the Select Committee on the proposed Alcohol Reform Bill. Encouraging both individuals and organisations to do the same resulted in over 40 full written submissions from the region.
Members of the public were also asked to contribute by sending in a special green bottle postcard. This joint initiative with Alcohol Action West Coast, resulted in the Select Committee receiving over 150 postcards.
Combined with the written submissions, the West Coast submitted three times as many responses as the rest of New Zealand, per head of population. The voice of the 31,500 strong region has been heard and used to influence change on alcohol issues affecting us all.
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Links
West Coast District Health Board
West Coast Regional Council
Westland District Council
Grey District Council
Buller District Council
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