Andrew Caie is also a Te Papa Ward councillor candidate.

I like to bike and walk with my dog along the Kopurererua stream. Outside of my area my partner and I frequent our many nature walks.

I'm a physiotherapist, so could speak at length to the importance of physical activity. But simply put - being physical active improves a range mental and physical health outcomes - which allows our people to live longer and healthier lives!

Ensure their is plenty of greenspace for our people to access, and to ensure our local sporting and community groups have adequate funding and facilities to meet the needs of our growing population!

I love to walk - we are blessed with beautiful walkways & Mauao, garden, & cycle for recreation. I have a gym membership for staying in shape… which I need to use more ;P

I believe physical activity is very important. Fitness has a significant impact on our physical, emotional, mental health and we sleep better. It boosts creativity, it improves connections in the community, which combats loneliness. I believe physical activity and fitness in general boosts every part of our society, less sick days, we are far more productive at work and it significantly reduces the costs of healthcare.

My priorities are to ensure that we have adequate and accessible community amenties, sports and recreation reserves within Tauranga, for all ages, abilities and interests. I would like to find ways to ensure that our sports fields and amenities remain affordable, so that anyone can engage in sport. The most important prioirity for me would be to actively and regularly engage with the sports sector to ensure that we have the amenities we need, funding mechanisms to pay for them and options for all.

I swim 3 times a week and gym occasionally.

Very important move it or lose it.

A stadium for our young people to aspire to perform in.

Regular walks, occasional biking and regular but necessarily productive gym sessions.

Physical activity not only makes you feel better but evidently maintains brain function too.

The provision of appropriate parks, reserves, sportsfields and built facilities. I totally support saving Otumoetai Pool as a highly valued and well used asset for the community.

Tanya Bamford-King is also a Matua-Otūmoetai councillor candidate.

My sport is dance. Currently I pole dance for fun and fitness.

Physical activity is a vital part of what keeps your whole body, and being, functioning. Personally it links my mind, body and spirit and gives me "space" away from everyday stresses.

Physical activity, organised or self directed, team or individual, is a vital part of keeping minds, body and spirit together, and so is important in any health community. The Council can support the health of it's community by providing places and spaces for physical recreational activities. Sports centers, parks, playgrounds and trails. These are vital parts of a successful cities infrastructure and need to be treated as such.

Jos Nagels is also a Bethlehem Ward councillor candidate.

Doing many physical tasks, soccer games with youngsters, tree climbing work, excessive handyman work and regular cycling and walking.

Physical activity is essential for continued mobility, body and mind health, prevention of ailments and general wellbeing. (The Netherlands has one of the happiest and healthiest populations in all age groups due to daily exercise as a result but of cycling being mainstream. The health benefits save the Govt millions.

Ensure sport facilities remain accessible and affordable to the public. Encourage more cycling by making it safer and convenient. Future plan for 21st Century multi- modal transit creating easy accessibility to venues and to lessen Car Dependency.

Tim Maltby is also a Papamoa Ward councillor candidate.

I like walking. Walking to the shops, walking to and along the beach, bush walking, and just exploring. Walking is a great way to meet people, even if you don't have a dog.

It is very important, particularly as we get older. We need exercise to stay healthy.

I believe in supporting community organisations like sports clubs and any other physical activity group like zumba, pilates, swimming, judo etc. They should be paying nominal fees. Council should not be trying to generate income from community groups.

John Robson is also a Bethlehem Ward candidate.

Aspire Health & Sports... the best gym in the Bethlehem ward.

At an individual level, exercise is important for physical and mental health... at the community level, it provides social and economic benefits.

Personally, I would favour the investment of community resources in 'community' sport ahead of investment in 'professional' sport... the actual level of investment should, of course, be determined by the community.

Anthony Goddard is also a Arataki Ward councillor candidate.

Heading to the gym multiple times a week, and regular motorcross events seem to keep me relatively active.

Incredibly important! Physical activity is crucial for maintaining both physical and mental health, reducing stress, and making you happy!

My priorities to support physical activity opportunities for the community include developing and maintaining parks, creating safe and extensive bike lanes, and improving recreational facilities. I also aim to expand public sports programs and events, ensuring accessibility for all residents. Additionally, I will work on partnerships with local schools and organisations to promote active lifestyles and provide resources for fitness activities.

Cycling and walking every day.

Very important. Gives pleasure, health, entertainment and information.

I have a huge project on my mind at the moment. The development of the Kopurererua Regional Park into a huge recreational and entertaining FOREST LAKE URBAN PARK.

Farm work. Walk dog. Play golden oldies rugby and social cricket.

Very. Use it or lose it.

Huge sport and recreation advocate. People living physically active lives generally have better quality of life and life expectancy overall. This is good for them and places less burden on health infrastructure.Encouraging you people to be active sets a good pattern for later life so providing good sport & rec facilities/amenities is important.

I'm a current Aspire (Bethlehem) member. I also have a mini gym set up at home. I have adapted how I engage with physical activities to suit life stages.

Very important. Physical activity has been a salient aspect throughout my entire life. I tend to think holistically about wellbeing (physically, emotionally & spiritually). Physical activity improves every aspects of human wellbeing. Physical activity with others connects us and creates a sense of social cohesion and belonging.

Advocate Green Prescription. Improving community facilities & amenities would provide more physical places and social spaces for people, their families and communities to increase opportunities for physical activities and play. We have an ageing population and we must make sure they are healthy, active, and engaged so that they can fully participate in and feel connected to our wider community.

I love cycling and walking, and make full use of the amazing cycle ways and board walks Tauranga Moana has to offer particualar in Bethlehem where I live. My husband and I regularly travel over the bridge to climb Mt Mauganui and then use the heated pool for fitness and relaxation. I also enjoy swimming both at Pilot bay and the surf beach and the Wairoa river. The development of Te Puna Quarry park is another example of the great bush walks I enjoy hiking in.

It's so important for our health and well-being both physical and mental. Starting right from an early age active participation in any exercise, whether its play, active recreation or involvement in sport transforms lives and lets people live longer and more fulfilled lives. This is especially imporatant for those over 50 in order to keep muscle strenght and cope with ageing bodies. . We have always encouraged sporting involvement with our children and coached all their teams , rugby, netball and the gymn teams . My son went on to became a professional rugby player playing for Counties, Auckland, the Blues and then representred New Zealand at the Melbourne commonwealth games winning Gold for NZ7's ( all black 7's) My daughters represented Samoa for touch and netball.

Top Priority: Maintain current recreational facilities and sports grounds, and parks by looking at renewals earlier so that grounds and sports club resources do not become unuseable. Work in partnership with groups like Sport BOP supporting active play and continue to look at opportunites for new sports e.g. Buka Ball. to encourage more participation. Future forward planning for more grounds in areas of Tauranga that are lacking . Update our playgrounds with more modern play equipment suitable for all ages. Particular fitness circuits for the older person.

I regularly walk or run around the Waikareao Estuary, up or around Maoao, and I referee Men's football.

Physical activity is essential for everyone, but most importantly for children and youth.

To ensure we continue to own and maintain appropriate sports and outdoor facilities, and that children and youth do not have any costs to access these facilities. In particular, children and youth should not be charged to play sport on council owned sportsgrounds.

I do line dancing we would have less crime if we had more participants in sport.

When people are involved in activity we have less crime, stress, etc.

Engage young people in any sport I am black belt judo plus walking and a volunteer.

Cycling, Running, walking, golf.

Of the utmost importance. The benefits are beyond our physical health to our mental development and well-being.

Ensure Sports venues are well funded so that they can continue to (and expand on) their provision of team sports, running athletics etc... Maintain and expand areas where people can walk and cycle in our beautiful city and use these as alternative means of transport to motor vehicles. Support sport based charities and NGO's.

Yes, my main physical activities within the Matua Otumoetai Ward are golf, cycling and gym. I use the waterfront shared path to cycle to the gym and play golf at Otumoetai.

It is essential that I stay fit having recovered from some health issues.

I am lobbying a more equitable Council support for the property maintenance of the very important sports clubs in our area.

I’m a member of The Gym (First Ave), I climb Mauao when time permits, and my wife and I walk our dog along the wonderful Matua waterfront.

Extremely - and at all ages. As we age, having a disciplined approach to exercise, including weight training to retain strength and bone density, is very important. It is for this reason that we asked for a ‘seniors exercise section’ at Kulim park.

More of what we achieved at Kulim Park, and continuing the work on walk and cycleways. Residents of all ages should have access to well designed, challenging yet safe, recreational facitilies.

As a life-time athlete and former personal trainer I like to diversify my activities. A day tramp in the Kaimai, a long bike ride on different routes, indoor strength training on a rainy day etc I also seek out new skills when offered the opportunity.

For me, physical activity is as essential as air. My clients will tell you I have been promoting the mind-body connection for decades, before it was a buzz. I know I am a better human being post workout and use that as inspiration for others.

Inclusion. It is important that we foster within the community opportunities for a wide variety of participation. I was recruited as a coxswain at university because of a community who believed in providing access to those like me and that changed my life.

This week I have climbed the Mount, run around the Mount & biked to destinations in Tauranga, Mount CBD and Bayfair.

I know physical activity enables me to be my best person. It’s fun, it’s good for us, it offers times to be part of a team and it’s all inclusive.

I love seeing kids bike, skateboard & walk to school. I’d like more of that to happen. I want people to feel safer biking & walking. The new ocean path is fantastic.

I am a member of the OPT fitness club, part time golfer and keen river trout fisherman.

Essential to health and mental well-being. I have a significant history of involvement in sport as a participant and coach. I am still active as a Carnival Judge in regional and national Surf Lifesaving events. Access to quality facilities for all sporting types is an essential requirement and for a growing city demands and needs are ever pressing. Clearly the city faces challenges providing for these needs yet to date has not explored private and public joint ventures and in my view such would expediate the development of high class facilities. The planned Aquatic center as an example is in my view not fit for purpose and badly located. What the city requires is a 50 meter pool and there is opportunity with local developers to explore a joint venture option.

I am a member of the OPT fitness club, part time golfer and keen river trout fisherman.

Essential to health and mental well-being.

I have a significant history of involvement in sport as a participant and coach. I am still active as a Carnival Judge in regional and national Surf Lifesaving events. Access to quality facilities for all sporting types is an essential requirement and for a growing city demands and needs are ever pressing. Clearly the city faces challenges providing for these needs yet to date has not explored private and public joint ventures and in my view such would expediate the development of high class facilities. The planned Aquatic center as an example is in my view not fit for purpose and badly located. What the city requires is a 50 meter pool and there is opportunity with local developers to explore a joint venture option.

I have a lifestyle Block. The Lifestyle requires lots of physical activity to maintain.

It's very important. A broken leg 4 years ago still restricts me from too much walking and climbing the mount which my wife and I used to love doing.

Ensuring the facilities for a wide range of sports are maintained and developed for our city are a high priority for me.

Daily walking around the lakes and in the higher tracks above The Lakes.

Physical activity is very important for physical, mental and spiritual well being.

Remove the proposed charges for sporting fields as we need to encourage more people to be active.

Walk, cycle. Tauriko Ward is well positioned to meet these personal choices.

Widely accepted, physical activity does enhance health and general well-being.

The 'great outdoors' in our region, is grossly undercapitalized on given our natural environmental features and offerings. Personal and local authority investment in this area would have the highest cost / benefit.

I either walk 45kms or cycle (road bike) 70 kms a week.

It's essential for a healthy lifestyle.

I will look at what is asked for and if it serves the wider community I will help it come to fruition.

Papamoa Hills/Mauao every week with weights in between.

It’s important to prevent cardiovascular disease and after 40 it makes you feel younger!

End the double standard; if arts is free then so should community access to sports fields. My family helped contribute to the creation of the original Papamoa Sports & Rec Centre.

Do a fast Walk for 45mins along the paths in Papamoa and the Mount, Go to my gym in Papamoa Anytime Fitness 3 times per week.

One of the major contributors in my life that has helped me achieve my goals of gaining a University degree and to represent NZ at the Commonwealth Games in track and field, 4 times at the World Cross Country championships. Physical activity is important as it helps you perform better at work and play, you feel better emotionally, you are more healthy and less sick and you can save money by not having to go to the doctors as much!!!

Firstly, I want the majority of paths that are gravel in Papamoa plus in the rest of Tauranga to be paved-this will allow our seniors and those with a disability to be better access. I want to see more public bathrooms along the these pathways and the Papamoa Beach. It would be important to have water fountains in more areas where we exercise and extra lightning so much safer at night to exercise.

A lot of walking, running and dog walking.

Vitally important to our general wellbeing.

Sport and recreation is a key priority of mine. That no only includes facilities but a drive and push to make sport and recreation as accessible as possible with facilities that are fit for purpose.

My husband and I regularly walk our dog around the Gate Pa area. We like to play golf.

Regular physical activity is important for everybody's health and wellbeing. It can improve your health and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer and heart problems, importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life.

To help Community Groups understand the benefit of exercise and other physical activities.

These days it is mainly walking and social sport. Past history include captain a rugby team (Taradale and won trophys), Cricket (World-wide, Hawkes Bay, Tauranga), Qualified Cricket umpire (Northern Districts and Australia), Mercantile squash (Tauranga), Volleyball (Napier / Hastings), Table Tennis (Napier), Darts (Hawkes Bay) plus heaps of various other social sport / games.

Good for the body as it not only keeps your physic up but is also good for mental well-being.

To ensure that there are adequate and suitable recreational facilities available to those that want to participate. This extends to teams / individuals that visit Tauranga and take part.

Walking and cycling with my big dog does wonders for my general health, both physically and mentally.

Use it or lose it!

Make sure that all citizens have access to Council facilities at reasonable or no cost.

Walking running and cycling these days but in my younger days I was an active athlete representing Waikato/BOP in cross country and athletics.

Physical activity is essential to a healthy mind as well as a healthy body. Clear headed thinking is essential and is directly related to the balance of physical activity you partake in.

Making sure that council has a positive relationship with sporting and active recreation organisation will be a priority. Operating not for profit organisations is hard enough, knowing that council values what you are doing is essential and not always obvious when dealing with council staff. As a conduit between the community and the council organisation would be my priority.

In the past training for Iron Man. Coast to coast. Gym work. Running . Cycling. Swimming. Now not so much.

Absolutely essential. A healthy body is a must. It powers everything.

Anything that promotes healthy living I would support.

I play rugby for the Premier and Development teams of Rangataua Sports and Cultural Club. I do Kapa Haka for Tutara Kauika, I do Crossfit with the boys out of Thirty. One. Ten.

Very important, its a gateway to supporting mental, spiritual and social wellbeing.

Cost and access are huge barriers for families when it comes to engaging in organised sport, it would be awesome if TCC could support with sport subsidies for families, so all members can participate affordably. 'Play' is also extremely important, and I want to ensure all public spaces are universally designed so all people have equal opportunity to engage, regardless of age or abilities.This also means addressing access to these public spaces by ensring road and pathway safety are prioritised so everyone can access these amenities safely and without the need for a vehicle. I also believe that residents, who know their communities best (especially kids/young people) should helpd esign these spaces so they are it for purpose.

I’m currently enjoying walking throughout Welcome Bay, Maungatapu, Hairini, and Ohauiti, delivering flyers and speaking with my potential constituents.

Very important, from a young age. Whilst I am nowhere near as active as I used to be, the muscle tone and metabolism I developed from being very fit in my younger days, continues to serve me well. Team sports are a great way, for youth to develop social skills, as well as their fitness.

Council has a responsibility, to keep fees as low as possible for sports facilities. Uniforms and gear are expensive enough by themselves. I drove past the new skate park beside central parade tonight at around 7pm, and it was great to see so many of our youth enjoying it, and none of them on their phones.

I walk our pup on the beautiful beach, I run (currently to deliver flyers!), cycle my kids to school and around the city, I walk with a pack of weights on my back, and I swim at Mount College as part of swim squad.

It's critical to stay active for general health and wellbeing, but also for our mental health. Physical activity as part of a group also connects us to others, grounding us in our community. Physical activity outdoors grounds us to nature, developing connectivity to care more for our environment.

Ensuring our recreational facilities are fit for purpose and we are planning for their refurbishment (a plan longer than 10 years). Ensuring we are consistent with the way user charges are implemented across sporting codes and recreational activities, and ensuring that our facilities are made available to youth and for our most vulnerable communities. Ensuring clubs have homes and developing good relationships with key external funding stakeholders to ensure things like club rooms can be built and replaced as required.

Beach walking and cycling pathways.

Critical to good health and well being. Also big social opportunities.

Council needs to provide the best facilities possible for the people of Tauranga to use. It’s also important that Council makes use of all facilities affordable. To invest in youth sport and health.

I use Clubfit gym at Bayfair. Around five Les Mills classes per week. I would swim but this pool is just too busy as I work daytime hours. Other days I like to walk the beach or mount.

Very great stress reliever, fresh air, vitamin D. Great for our young ones to get them socially involved as well as the obvious benefits to health. Sets them up for life.

I want to ensure equitable opportunities, in light of the recent proposed and now refuted increase in sports field fees - I would want this to continue. Sport must be accessible and affordable for as many people as possible, but especially our young ones. Also to keep ensuring our sports grounds and facilities are maintained to the suitable level for each venue. Also I would support newer initiatives such as the new skate park - fabulous to see so many there!!!

Gym training, walking up Mount.

Extremely important, mostly for health, both physical and mental.

Ensuring that we have community facilities eg clubrooms and sufficient sports halls and outdoor fields without adding cost to the sporting clubs.

I run or gym at least 4 days a week and play premier men's rugby during the winter months with Te Puna rugby club.

Incredibly. It improves physical health and mental health. It connects people and brings communities together. It teaches important life lessons like teamwork, dedication, learning from losses, being humble in victory, and much more.

I've been very loud in expressing that Arataki needs a clubroom to better accomodate sport in their community. Arataki park isn't just a local ground, it hosts all junior rippa rugby and brings people from all around Tauranga. We need a home of sport to facilitate our activities for all sport.

We are blessed to have a multitude of beautiful reserves and walkways. At least once a week my partner and I endeavour to complete a local walk. Our favourites so far have been Omanawa Falls and The Path of Wairakei.

Physical activity is very important for our overall mental and physical wellbeing.

It's important that we ensure we maintain our local reserves, walkways and recreational facilities. And that we also make provisions for green spaces and recreational facilities as our city continues to grow.

Walking. Regular walks up Mauao or Pap Hills.

Critical for physical and mental health.

Continue to fund Sport Bay of Plenty and to grow, enhance and maintain our sports facilities.