Active NZ survey 2019

Results from survey data collected in 2019 on participation in play, active recreation and sport.

The Active NZ survey measures nationwide participation in play, active recreation and sport. The survey is sent to a sample of New Zealanders on the electoral roll through our research partner, Nielsen.

Following on from the redesign in 2017, this is the third year of data collection and the beginning of a new time series on participation in play, active recreation and sport for New Zealanders aged 5+. The 2019 results are based on data collected from almost 27 000 children, young people and adults between 5 January 2019 and 4 January 2020. Changes over time are based on data collected between 5 January 2017 and 4 January 2020 from over 90 000 children, young people and adults.

Active NZ provides important insights into the changing landscape of participation through the lenses of age, gender, ethnicity and deprivation. The key findings in 2019 reinforce the 2017 and 2018 results. Participation patterns and changes across three years between 2017 and 2019 are highlighted.

Insight into trends

The 2019 Active NZ Report is the third in our annual series and provides us with insight into the trends we’re seeing across New Zealand.

It highlights where physical activity levels are lower than average, and other areas where physical activity levels are decreasing. We know if we can raise the physical activity levels of New Zealanders it will lead to better health and social outcomes.

In 2019, we unveiled our 2020-2024 strategic plan to address the areas most in need. The results of this year’s Active New Zealand survey reinforce that we’re on the right track by:

beginning an initiative to change youth sport and keep tamariki and rangatahi engaged for longer (Balance is Better)
unveiling a plan to address lower participation levels among women and girls
increasing our engagement with Māori
rolling out our Healthy Active Learning initiative into 300 schools, which will help change the way PE and sport is delivered for tamariki
launching a plan to address lower participation levels among disabled New Zealanders.

We are also working on a new Active Recreation strategy which will look at getting New Zealanders more active and involved in their communities.

Infographic of the Active NZ 2019 survey results