E Tipu E Rea is one of the few early childhood active movement programmes that can be delivered in both te reo Māori and English.

The Active Mokopuna progamme is especially significant in the Tairawhiti region that has the highest Māori population demographic in the country and a significant number of kohanga reo.

In the initiative, Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti works with ten early childhood centres in the region at a time to establish active movement and health eating practices, although there are 18 registered.

There are seven phases that early childhood centres undertake as part of Active Mokopuna. At the completion of the programme, the National Heart Foundation - Healthy Heart Award Certificate, a resource tool-kit and an Active Mokopuna certificate are presented to the centre. 

When one centre completes the Active Mokopuna programme, another centre will be enrolled on the programme. Centres that complete the programme are contacted, monitored and supported in any area that is required.

Coordinators guide ECE providers to become proficient deliverers of the Active Movement programme and to apply healthy eating practices that ensure children are empowered with basic movement and coordination skills including gaining self-esteem, confidence and motivation; and are adopting good eating habits.

Providers in Early Childhood Centres and Kohanga Reo; the children themselves; parents and whanau are all involved. The programme looks at developing policies on both physical activity and healthy eating practices for centres.

The Active Mokopuna team also works alongside other local community agencies to advocate and involve ECEs in community events.  Initiatives include assisting ECEs with nutrition fund applications, involving local providers such as Turanga Health, Tairawhiti District Health, Te Puni Kokiri and liaising with local sports clubs and organisations to facilitate activities.

Entitled “E tipu e rea o nga mokopuna o te Ao”, the saying is quoted from a framework originally proposed by Sir Apirana Ngata. A partnership of Te Puna Waiora, Turanganui PHO, Ngati Porou Hauora and the Ministry of Health provided funding, after a consultation and survey of Early Childhood Centres attracted very positive feedback.  

An evaluation process for the Active Mokopuna programme has been developed. This process was peer reviewed by an Auckland-based evaluation consultancy, Shore Consultants. The purpose of the evaluation is to ensure measurable outcomes are being achieved while a review process assesses the programme's outcomes.

The long term outcomes of the programme are to improve active movement of individuals; increase the motivation of tamariki, whanau and ECE providers to choose nutritious foods; and to encourage the Tairawhiti community and whanau environments to provide more active and healthier choices for under fives.