Step into Spring seeks community organisers for October festival

Step into Spring is a festival which promotes the benefits of walking on wellbeing and provides and opportunity for people to connect with each other and the environment, which will take place in October 2022

Step into Spring is a new initiative which promotes the benefits of walking on wellbeing, with a festival held in October 2022 across the Nelson-Tasman.

A diverse range of locally organised activities hosted by community groups, organisations and individuals will make up the festival, providing an opportunity for people to connect with each other and the environment.

Did you know?…

• Studies from the University of Exeter found that a 15-minute walk can curb cravings for chocolate and even reduce the amount of chocolate you eat in stressful situations?
• Or that a study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less! And if they did get sick, it was for a shorter duration, and their symptoms were milder?

Long story short, walking is great for the body and mind, great for community connection and given the increase in cost of living, great for the budget too.

We would love to provide the opportunity for as many Community Groups to run their own events under the Step into Spring banner. We are seeking Expressions of Interest from passionate Community Partners who would like to host an event or activity. An activity/programme doesn’t need to be primarily a walking event, as long as it has a walking component to it.

Some ideas:

• An organised walk to a rugby match
• A heritage walk around important locations within your area
• A beach clean-up
• A neighborhood walk
• A guided nature walk

Community-led events will be promoted and supported under the Step into Spring umbrella. While organisers will take ownership of their own events, Step into Spring will provide a framework and will support event organisers with promotional support.

Step into Spring is a new initiative led by the Health Action Trust, Top of the South Neighbourhood Support, the Nelson Marlborough DHB and both Nelson and Tasman Councils. The festival will take place annually and is a part of a long-term strategy to get people connecting and moving more. Offering guided walks will increase the confidence of the community to start exploring our region, whilst creating meaningful connections.

If you are interested in hosting an activity/programme, then please complete the Application Form – HERE.

If your organisation is interested in being involved, but not completely sure how – please complete the Expression of Interest Form – HERE.

We are excited to hear from you!

Article type: Meetings, events and training
Start date: October 1, 2022
Start time: 9:00 AM
End Date: October 31, 2022
End Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: Nelson Tasman – Various

New Zealand

Contact Name: Kara Fielding
Contact Phone: 0278156487
Contact Email: [email protected]