Sport NZ Sport and Recreation Knowledge Library: New Zealand-based sport and recreation research

The Costs of Physical Inactivity: Toward a regional full-cost accounting perspective Research Completed

Title

The Costs of Physical Inactivity: Toward a regional full-cost accounting perspective

Lead Author

Market Economics Limited

Organisation(s)

Prepared for Auckland Council, Waikato Regional Council and Wellington Regional Strategy Committee by Market Economics Limited

Publication Year

2013

Publisher

Waikato Regional Council

Contacts

Auckland Council

web: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Waikato Regional Council

web: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz

Wellington Regional Strategy Committee

web: www.gpiwellingtonregion.govt.nz

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a serious public health issue in New Zealand, as it is in many other countries of the world, causing significant economic costs. Local government plays an important role in motivating and providing for people’s physical activity, including providing transport infrastructure, active transport opportunities (cycling, walking, public transport, walking buses), urban design and land use planning, and provision of parks and sport and leisure facilities. Waikato Regional Council, Auckland Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council jointly commissioned a study to examine the full costs of physical inactivity in their regions. The study undertaken by Market Economics found that the total cost to the country of approximately half the population not having adequate physical activity, was approximately $1.3billion in 2010 ($106 million for the Waikato region, $402 million for the Auckland region and $141 million for Wellington).

Keywords:

Physical activity, Helath, New Zealand, Economic costs

How to access

Areas of Focus

Settings (location)

Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)

Accomodation and facilities, Parks - urban, Sportsvilles/Multisport centres, Travel and Transport