The recent reduction in blood alcohol limits for drivers will help lower the harm that alcohol causes.
Aucklanders are lucky to have access to great beaches, reserves, playing fields, pars and pools.
In addition Auckland health services are world class.
However Dr Hale says that the region still faces five major challengers - not being active enough, eating too much junk food, rising levels of obesity, over-indulgence in alcohol and high rates of child poverty.
"Most Aucklanders aren't active enough to keep healthy. They don't walk or cycle to work, on outings, or just for pleasure. Let's re-focus from thinking about cars and sprawling suburbs to a transport system that encourages active travel.
In addition Dr Hale says cheap junk food is too readily available.
"People eat what's accessible. We need affordable healthy choices to be widely available."
"Aucklanders are near the top of the scales for being overweight and obese in the country, with only one in three adults at normal weight. For children, those who are obese are more likely to have social difficulties and a lower quality of life - in fact similar to those diagnosed with cancer. "
He says high rates of child poverty in Auckland continue to impact families, their health and wellbeing.
"Deprivation is one of the single most important risks for chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma."
Another challenge facing the region is excessive alcohol consumption.
"Up to half of overnight emergency department stays in the region are due to drunkenness, on top of its contribution to violent crime and ill health," Dr Hale says.
He says that local alcohol policies should be adopted to help stop the culture of binge-drinking.
" We need to reduce trading hours, have consistent closing times so people don't drive to another bar for one last drink, and have an exit-only policy - where in the early hours, you can leave a bar but you can't enter.
Dr Hale says there are plenty of things to do to improve Aucklanders' health starting with drinking more water.
" Our clean drinking water deserves to be drunk more - instead of the sugary stuff. It's free, very refreshing and it's the best."
He says a network of cycleways and public transport would encourage people to be more active.
"People can safely ride and walk everywhere they need to be. A proposal such as the SkyPath would allow people to safely cross the harbour by bike or on foot. "
In the workplace Dr Hale says there are plenty of opportunities to boost health such as using the stairs, walkabouts to break up sedentary spells, fruit bowls instead of vending machines and lunchtime walking groups or cricket.
"People can be part of a city without having to drive a car all the time.
" Let's improve the way we plan our communities, by placing schools, shops and places of work closer to our homes."
He also wants to see more outdoor areas designated as smoke free.
" Reduce second-hand smoke exposure in places like beaches, parks and bus stops.
"People trying to give up will have an easier time, and non-smokers enjoy being outside more."
What do you think? What can we do to encourage Aucklanders to be healthier? Leave your comments below,
