Some will argue that the policy is representative of a state taking too much interest in our personal lives. Already Act has come out against the suggestion, stating that compulsory school sport is "high-minded and dictatorial".
No one is suggesting that a one-size-fits-all policy would be the solution to all our problems. But, as local surgeon PJ Faumui has previously noted, to change society's attitudes towards obesity requires a generational approach. Throwing money at people who are already obese and for whom there is little hope of redemption is like closing the door after the horse has bolted.
Mr Faumui has a point, and Labour's policy targets the right group. But there are some major hurdles to resolve, such as who will manage the time: our teachers? They already claim to be overworked and seem to be the easy option for curing all of society's ills.
Who would monitor participation rates, and what would be the penalty should you be caught wagging? Push-ups or running laps?
And exactly where would all the extra coaches come from? As Sport Wanganui chief executive Danny Jonas points out, only 18 per cent of teachers in this region also coach, so that leaves a mighty gap to fill, presumably with volunteers, but who has the time?
Cost will be another factor. Mr Mallard suggests there could be funding for training volunteers in coaching and management skills but that is only part of the equation for parents who have to pay the club fees and buy uniforms and other equipment.
There may well be significant benefits in academic performance for children who also are actively involved in sport, as Mr Jonas suggests. In any event, we want to encourage our young people to lead fit, healthy lifestyles. There are doubts though whether this policy will actually achieve this. It is all good in theory but would need significant development before it could be put into practice.
