Healthy hearts start young on the Kāpiti Coast

Published: 8 December 2025

Children on the Kāpiti Coast are learning the importance of healthy eating and keeping active, with a little help from the Heart Foundation.

Through the Tohu Manawa Ora I Healthy Heart Award programme, early learning services are empowering children and their families to make healthier choices every day, from packing nutritious lunchboxes to discovering the enjoyment of physical activity.

The awards programme supports educators to create environments where healthy habits thrive. Educators receive guidance, professional development and resources to teach children about food and the benefits of movement in a fun, age-appropriate way.

Storytime and a visit from Hearty (Heart Foundation mascot) at BestStart Paraparaumu

Heart Foundation Nutrition Advisor, Megan O’Mara says the Tohu Manawa Ora I Healthy Heart Award programme is gaining momentum in the Kāpiti Coast with seven early learning services taking part over the past two years, reaching 476 children out of a total of 1197 attending services in the region.

“It’s wonderful to see children excited about eating fruit and vegetables, trying new foods, and sharing what they’ve learned with their families. The ripple effect goes beyond the centre - it’s helping to build healthier families and communities.”

“Parents love the new ideas for nutritious lunches, and the children are eager to try new foods. They’re also spending more time outdoors, particularly in the veggie garden at the centre, growing vegetables for the children to eat and for families to take home and enjoy.”

BestStart Paraparaumu has been taking part since 2011 and today holds the highest level in the award programme - Pā-Harekeke.

Centre manager Sarah Lowe says the centre focuses on encouraging healthy food choices, physical activity, and mental wellbeing and these values are embedded and deeply ingrained in their centre culture.

“Children are thriving with improved fitness and enthusiasm from healthy eating and whānau have embraced active lifestyles and nutritious kai at home. Our celebrations, including birthdays, are now heart healthier.”

Nutrition Advisor Megan O’Mara talking to parents at BestStart Waikanae

"This achievement reflects the dedication of our kaiako and the support of our whānau.”

At BestStart Waikanae, teachers have introduced colourful fruit and veggie tasting sessions, water-only policies, and daily active play as well as setting physical challenges for the weekend. Families are encouraged to get involved through shared food events, newsletters, and practical workshops on lunchbox ideas.

Caregiver Porscha Field says the subtle changes have been positive for everyone.

Since the programme’s launch, hundreds of early learning services across Aotearoa have taken part. Today, more than 1500 early learning services are engaged in the programme, more than 35 percent of all early learning services.

The programme achieved a significant social return on investment (SROI) in a 2024 independent report, which showed that for every dollar invested in the programme there is a social return of $4.50. Improved oral health, physical activity levels and reduced diabetes directly contributed to the social value.

“Small changes add up,” Megan says, “When children experience early on that food and movement are fun and rewarding, they’re setting the foundations for a lifetime of good heart health.”

For more information about what the Heart Foundation offers early learning services, click on the button below.

Healthy Heart Award