Govt launches children's website to tackle obesity

The Government has launched a new website that uses online games to try and get children to be more active in the real world.

Prime Minister Helen Clark and Sports Minister Clayton Cosgrove launched the website today.

It is part of the Government's four-year $67 million anti-obesity campaign announced in 2006.

The website, aimed at 5-12-year-olds also teaches children about the importance of healthy food and drinks.

The website uses online interactive characters to convey positive messages about healthy living and encourages children to log-off and actually do the activities, in order to earn points.

Youth Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta said the website was another way to encourage children to get active.

"Today's young people are technologically savvy and the Mission-On website is another medium to encourage young people to keep healthy, move around and make good food choices."

- NZPA