5 years of Healthy Active Learning

At a glance

Over the past 5 years, Healthy Active Learning has helped schools, kura and early learning services create environments where tamariki and rangatahi can participate, learn and belong. The Healthy Active Learning – 5 years of impact report highlights the impact of strong partnerships across education, health and communities, and the difference quality food, drink, physical activity and health education are making for more than 1,000 education settings across Aotearoa.

1000+

schools, kura and early learning services supported through Healthy Active Learning

$2.10

social return on investment per $1 invested

150+

dedicated health and physical activity professionals across the motu

Explore the 5 year impact report

Our journey so far

How Healthy Active Learning has grown over 5 years – from its beginnings during COVID‑19 to a nationwide approach supporting education settings.

Our journey

Findings and impact

What the evaluation shows has changed in education settings – for culture, kaiako confidence, ākonga wellbeing and equity.

Findings and impact

What best practice looks like

6 components that support high‑quality Healthy Active Learning environments, with examples from schools, kura and early learning services.

Reflecting on what we've learned

Looking to the future

Healthy Active Learning is about creating lasting change that supports young people’s wellbeing. As this 5‑year story shows, many schools, kura and early learning services are now confidently leading this mahi themselves. The evaluation highlights trends and opportunities shaping what comes next.

The future vision for Healthy Active Learning

Read the full Healthy Active Learning 5 years of impact report

Featured success stories

Partnerships enabled a rapid response to Cyclone Gabrielle

Using kai to support wellbeing, learning and connection

Using kai to support wellbeing learning and connection

Building confidence to transform physical activity culture

National evaluation summary 2020-2025

The 2025 Healthy Active Learning evaluation shows that the initiative is achieving its intended short and medium-term outcomes.

The findings show:

Changes in school culture: Physical activity and healthy eating and drinking are integrated into strategies, plans and curriculum.
Positive student outcomes: Tamariki are moving more, feel more connected and attendance has improved.
Teachers are confident: Professional development and resources strengthen Health and PE teaching, especially for early‑career teachers.
Value for money: Every $1 invested generates $2.10 in social and economic benefits, with greatest gains in high‑deprivation communities.

Massey University has led the evaluation of Healthy Active Learning.

Healthy Active Learning – evaluation summary 2020-2025