Research and insights

We conduct research and provide insights to help you understand how people in Aotearoa New Zealand are participating, so you can use evidence to make participant focused decisions.

What motivates one person to be active might be a barrier to another. That’s why we conduct research into how different people get active and what prevents them from doing so. We have been collecting data on a continuous basis through the Main Active NZ survey since January 2017, and our monthly Active NZ survey helps us understand different participant groups. Dip deeper into our evidence-based case studies, which highlight initiatives to keep communities active.

Have a question? Contact our team at intelligence@sportnz.org.nz.

Active NZ COVID-19 survey results

Effects of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic

On adult participation April 2020-April 2021

This Active NZ COVID-19 survey focuses on changing participation throughout the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic from April 2020 through to April 2021, when New Zealand was in its first nationwide lockdown at Alert Level 1.

Active NZ first year COVID-19 survey results

Active NZ COVID-19 2020 survey results

When New Zealand was placed in Alert Level 4 during March and April 2020, we had to survey in a different way and re-contacted around 36,000 previous Active NZ respondents. We wanted to capture the impact of the lockdown period on New Zealanders’ physical activity. Would we see unexpected impacts on different population groups, or would people who typically face barriers to physical activity experience little change?

Active NZ COVID-19 surveys 2020

Research & Insights

Surveys and data

Data from our Active NZ surveys, together with other commissioned and collected research, has allowed us to put together stats and understanding into what affects and impacts activity levels for specific population groups.

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Research & Insights

Participant group insights

We've taken our research and insights and split it into a number of different demographics to help you understand why some people are less active.

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Research & Insights

Case studies

Take a look at our case studies that highlight initiatives that use evidence and respond holistically to meet the needs of individuals and their communities.

Case studies

Ensuring the sector is fit for the future

In May 2019 Sport New Zealand began investigating the future of play, active recreation and sport in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Ensuring the sector is fit for the future

Impacts of the first year of COVID-19 on physical activity

Sport NZ has published a study into the impact of the COVID-19 which shows the pandemic has severely affected participation in physical activity across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Impacts of the first year of COVID-19 on physical activity

Featured resources

Surveys & Data

Active NZ

Our nationwide participation survey on young people and adults.

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Surveys & Data

Insights Tool

The Insights Tool combines multiple data sources to help guide decision-making in the sport and recreation sector.

Insights tool

Participant Groups

Children and young people