Active NZ is Sport NZ’s nationwide survey that tracks participation in play, active recreation and sport for New Zealanders aged 5 and over. In the latest Active NZ survey results, the Snapshot of the Participation Landscape report 2023 continues to highlight inequities in play, active recreation and sport by age, gender, ethnicity, deprivation and disability.

We now have seven years’ worth of data from Active NZ and can identify longer term trends and better explore specific demographic groups to monitor progress against our strategy. The key findings from the Participation Trends report 2017-2023 show COVID-19 has been a significant disruptor to participation in play, active recreation and sport in Aotearoa New Zealand, with the effects continuing into 2023.  

Following a period of stable activity levels for tamariki and rangatahi, pre-COVID-19, tamariki have increased their activity levels, whereas rangatahi activity levels have been declining. This is reflected in behaviour and several long-term attitudinal trends for rangatahi, such as a weakening relationship with sport and attitudes towards being active. 

It is a mixed picture for adults who have not sustained the higher participation levels of 2021 and in 2023, these fell to below pre-COVID-19 levels. 

New data tools 

We also have new and refreshed data tools, available on the Sport NZ website.  

Data Visualisation Tool: Find relevant information from the Active NZ survey. Delve into data across Aotearoa New Zealand and specific regions. Use the dashboard to drill down by survey year, young people survey or adult survey, gender, age, ethnicity and disability. 

Sport NZ Insights Tool: Designed to help the sector with decision-making. The interactive Insights Tool brings together data on populations, activity participation, health trends and schools. 

If you have questions about either of the data tools, please email: activenz@sportnz.org.nz.