The Government is to adopt a community-based programme that's helping reduce obesity in Australia.
Prime Minister John Key says the new community-level health promotion and prevention strategy will be known as Healthy Families NZ.
Health Minister Tony Ryall inspected the programme in Victoria and says children involved weighed less and are more active.
He says the grassroots, community-approach to tackling obesity is really working.
Nutrition Professor Boyd Swinburn of Auckland University says it's terrific news but tough measures including regulations will also be needed eventually.
More details on how the programme will be funded and which communities will be involved are to be revealed closer to the Budget.
