“The Australian guidelines are simple, clear, and pick up on all the key points we know matter. Move more, sit less, and build activity into everyday life. We are used to rivalry on the sporting field, now Australia is beating us with clear simple guidelines for wellness.”
“Importantly, they recognise that physical activity is not just about how much you do, but also the type, and part of overall wellbeing, something our sector has long championed. It also gives the right focus to strength and balance activities – something that is often omitted or given little thought.”
“Ironically, the day these were released I was meeting with the CEO of our sister body in Australia, AusActive, at a global meeting in San Diego discussing greater global collaboration.” says Beddie “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel on these guidelines.”
“New Zealand has an opportunity right now to take what Australia has done and go even further, incorporating our unique context, communities, and cultures.”
“We strongly encourage the New Zealand Government to review and update our national physical activity guidelines so they are fit for today, not the past.”
“This is about more than guidelines; it’s about helping all New Zealanders live healthier, more active lives in ways that work for them,”
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Exercise New Zealand welcomes the Australian Government’s release of its updated national physical activity and wellness guidelines, calling them a clear, practical step forward, and urging Aotearoa New Zealand to follow suit.
The newly released Australian guidelines simplify how people understand movement, health, and wellbeing, placing a stronger emphasis on everyday activity, reducing sedentary behaviour, and supporting long-term healthy habits.
ExerciseNZ Chief Executive Richard Beddie says the updated approach reflects what the industry has been advocating for.
“The Australian guidelines are simple, clear, and pick up on all the key points we know matter. Move more, sit less, and build activity into everyday life.” says Beddie. “We are used to rivalry on the sporting field, now Australia are beating us with clear simple guidelines for wellness.”
“Importantly, they recognise that physical activity is not just about how much you do, but also the type, and part of overall wellbeing, something our sector has long championed. It also gives the right focus to strength and balance activities – something that is often omitted or given little thought.”
“Ironically, the day these were released I was meeting with the CEO of our sister body in Australia, AusActive, at a global meeting in San Diego discussing greater global collaboration.” says Beddie “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel on these guidelines.”
Beddie says the updated framework aligns closely with global trends, including a stronger focus on:
- Every day movement rather than just formal exercise
- Reducing sedentary time
- Supporting mental well-being alongside physical health
- Including sleep and recovery as a part of the guidelines
- Including clear guidelines for strength and balance activities as part of the main message.
ExerciseNZ believes New Zealand is now at risk of falling behind if it does not modernise its own national guidance.
“New Zealand has an opportunity right now to take what Australia has done and go even further, incorporating our unique context, communities, and cultures,” says Beddie.
“We strongly encourage the New Zealand Government to review and update our national physical activity guidelines so they are fit for today, not the past.”
ExerciseNZ emphasises that modern guidelines must reflect how people actually live, recognising diverse communities, including Māori, Pasifika, and broader whānau-based approaches to wellbeing.
“This is about more than guidelines, it’s about helping all New Zealanders live healthier, more active lives in ways that work for them,” Beddie says.
With physical inactivity continuing to be a major contributor to long-term health challenges, ExerciseNZ says clear, relevant, and culturally responsive guidance is a critical foundation for improving outcomes across the country.
LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/lifestyle-australia-beats-new-zealand-to-modernise-physical-activity-and-wellness-guidelines/