Obesity Action Coalition

Dear OAC member or supporter

The Ministry of Health’s contract with OAC expires on 30 June 2009.

We have been advised that the continuation of the contract has been considered, along with other nutrition and physical activity services that the Ministry funds, and as part of the Government’s line by line review of departmental expenditure and the efficiency, effectiveness and value for money of programmes such as ours.

Unfortunately, as a result of this review our contract will not renewed after 30 June 2009.

The Ministry has acknowledged and commended OAC for our significant contribution towards actively advocating to reduce the prevalence and impact of obesity in New Zealand, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles and influencing the development of healthy public policy on the prevention of obesity.

So, where does this leave OAC? We will continue operating as we are until the end of June, and we will be seeking alternative funding from other organizations in an attempt to keep on operating from July as well. Please let us know if you have any ideas here.

If we are able to secure alternative funding, the day to day operation of OAC is likely to change, however until things become clearer over the next couple of weeks, we are unable to make any concrete decisions. We’ll keep you all posted.

The OAC Board would very much like to thank all our members and supporters for their continued support.