Active NZ Survey 2024/25

How New Zealanders are getting active

Active NZ is a nationwide survey that shows how New Zealanders aged 5 and over are getting active – and how that’s changing.

The latest results offer fresh insights to help spot trends, tackle challenges and make better decisions across the play, active recreation and sport system. This is the first Active NZ survey aligned with the financial year and findings are from July 2024 to June 2025.

Discover how physical activity is bouncing back post-pandemic, what’s motivating young people to get active and where gaps remain.

Key findings

Young people’s activity is bouncing back – participation is returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Adults are staying active, helping support the recovery of youth activity.
Barriers remain – time, cost and confidence still prevent many from being active.

Are physical activity levels improving?

Yes – and here’s how:

Rangatahi (aged 12 to 17) are becoming more active again after a big drop during the pandemic.
61% of adults (aged 18+) now meet physical activity guidelines – up from 59% pre-pandemic.
More young people (aged 5 to 17) are joining organised activities like competitions, coached sessions and PE at school.

Meeting the physical activity guidelines

Meeting physical activity guidelines

What motivates young people?

Young people are driven by:

	Fun – 78% say it’s their top reason for being active.
	Connection – spending time with whānau and friends matters.
	Wellbeing – improving physical and mental health is a key motivator.

Other insights:

Learning new skills is especially valued by Pacific peoples, Chinese, Indian and migrant communities.
Confidence is critical for rangatahi – it turns interest into action.
Tamariki (aged 5-11) are more likely to be active when they feel connected to their environment and whānau.
Cost and access have become higher barriers to being active, especially for Tamariki.

Who is missing out?

Despite improvements in some areas, some groups of young people are still less likely to meet activity guidelines:

girls
ethnic minorities
disabled people
rainbow communities
people living in high deprivation areas
and people experiencing challenges to their mental health.

These groups face more barriers and need targeted support.

What helps people get active?

The data points to 6 key actions:

Active schools and PE – prioritise quality physical education and whole-school activity.
Connection to spaces and places – design safe, culturally relevant environments.
Whānau-centred activation – make it easy and affordable for families to be active together.
Confidence-building – create low-pressure opportunities with positive role models.
Affordability and access fixes – remove practical barriers like fees, gear and transport.
Tech-enabled challenges – use apps and wearables to turn screen time into active time.