First National Drink Water Day Makes A Splash

Media Release : 15 March 2005
First National Drink Water Day Makes A Splash

Schools around the country are taking part in the first ever National Drink Water Day as part of the New Zealand Kidney Foundation’s (NZKF) aim to encourage New Zealanders about the importance of drinking water for overall well being as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Carmel Gregan-Ford, National Education Manager for NZKF said that kidney disease effects approximately 200,000 people in New Zealand with 60 percent from among the Maori and Pacific Island groups. The problem is rapidly increasing with over 50 percent of all kidney failure being due to the unprecedented number of diabetes cases.

Along with other health-related organizations in New Zealand, such as Diabetes NZ (Inc) , the NZKF is drawing attention to the need for all New Zealanders to take positive steps towards better health. Drinking more water is a valuable habit to get into, to support general health.

Murray Dear, Diabetes NZ (Inc) President said, “Diabetes NZ (Inc) representing 41 societies around New Zealand concerned with diabetes and the prevention of kidney complications, fully supports the National Drink Water Day on 15 March 2005.

“We would also urge all our societies and our 15,000 members to support the Kidney Foundation in their water drinking campaign.” His comments were endorsed by Professor Don Beaven, co-patron, Diabetes NZ.

Every primary, intermediate and secondary school in New Zealand has been sent National Drink Water Day kits containing posters and activity sheets. Schools with 200 or more students have been sent a total of 1.2 million free water cups for use during the National Drink Water Day activities. Posters have also been sent to businesses, doctors’ rooms, libraries, pharmacies and hospitals in an attempt to reach as many people as possible.

“The importance of drinking plenty of water for overall well being, cannot be underestimated, and the involvement of schools around the country will go a long way to spreading this vital message Ms Gregan-Ford said.

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