Playing Croquet in Rotorua New Zealand (photo courtesy of morguefile.com)

It seems even New Zealand, a country known for rugby, passionate participation in sports by people of all ages, outdoor lifestyles, and superb weather and facilities for keeping fit, now sees the need to take steps to combat childhood obesity.

Changes to the country’s school regulations will restrict sales of food and drink with high fat, sugar and salt content, or ban them altogether from school premises.

Some political opponents and school principals say that kids will just buy junk food somewhere else, but the Obesity Action Coalition welcomed the move. Executive Director Leigh Sturgiss said schools should not have to sell unhealthy products to meet basic funding needs.

To read an article on the topic published by New Zealand’s stuff.co.nz go to: Health food moves a surprise – principals

To read an article from New Zealand Now about the country's enthusiasm for sporting activities go to: What are the most popular sports in New Zealand?