Southern Cross Wellness Award 08/09

 

Manukau City Council

 

Manukau City Council has established a Wellness Connection Programme which is intrinsically linked to their Business Strategy of "operating an efficient council through the effective reduction of the cost incurred through unscheduled absenteeism"

The programme is about being "healthy", and provides a variety of opportunities beyond physical activities.

The Programme demonstrates innovative thinking in terms of embedding it throughout the organisation through "Wellness Champions"

In addition, Manukau's Wellness programme has created a strong community link. This is demonstrated through their commitment that every place in the Wellness Programme being occupied by an employee creates a place for Manukau primary school students to take part in the Kiwi School Challenge.

So far, a total of 400 free places have been created for those students.

All of the above elements together with a reported significant reduction in unscheduled health leave costs over the first 3 months of the programme confirmed in the judges minds that the Manukau City Council are well deserved winners for the Southern Cross Wellness Award.