Ākonga driving changes in traditional school events

Schools and kura across Aotearoa are reimagining traditional sporting events, working alongside ākonga to create experiences that prioritise participation, connection and fun while reflecting the diverse ways young people like to be active.

Across the motu, traditional school events are being reimagined to create fun, welcoming and inclusive events that the whole community can be part of.

Schools and kura are shifting from cross-country events towards Festivals of Movement and Colour Runs; swimming sports are being reshaped into Swim and Splash events.

Planning and decision-making are increasingly being shared, with kaiako and ākonga working together to make sure the events better reflect the different motivations ākonga have for participating.

The 2025 Student Voice Report, led by Sport NZ, found most young people enjoy being active when it’s fun, social and supportive, and when they have access to meaningful activities.

Ākonga feedback shows the changes are making a difference.

‘Everybody in Room 4 had a great time being bombarded with colour and sprayed with too much water but also helping out with the various activities was exciting as well,” says one Year 8 student

“It was just so fun. I want to do it again,” says a Year 4 student

“As educators, reimagining our school events is not just about changing what we do; it’s about changing how we do it together.”

Creating events together

A Healthy Active Learning lead from Sport Northland, Erin Steel works with senior leadership teams, kaiako and ākonga to create supportive and inclusive learning environments.

“As educators, reimagining our school events is not just about changing what we do; it’s about changing how we do it together.”

Key to success is partnership, respect and shared purpose. Kaiako bring their professional knowledge and care, ākonga bring their lived experience, creativity and voice.

Together they are building events that are far richer than either could do alone.

Successful events are defined not just by participation or performance but by fun, connection and inclusion.

Erin explains, “When we pause and ask, ‘Who is this event for?’ and ‘Who feels included or excluded?’, we uncover powerful opportunities for change.

“Creating time and space to hear from students about what they enjoy, find challenging or wish to see differently shifts them from passive participants to active partners.”

Schools are actively looking at how their events align with the school’s values and learning goals, making sure movement and physical activity is seen as part of the school culture and essential for learning.

Creating choice

Kaiako and school leaders play a crucial role in supporting events to be meaningful, inclusive and successful.

This includes listening carefully and gathering insights from ākonga before planning any activities; moving beyond consultation to co-design to give students real decision-making power; and offering choice and flexibility to allow students to participate, lead and contribute in ways that suit them best.

By working together, school leaders, kaiako and ākonga can create fun, inclusive events that create lasting memories, deepen connections and celebrate collective achievement.

Designing for inclusion in Wairoa

Coloured powder is flying, students are grinning, teachers and supporters are shouting their encouragement as tamariki take part in a colour run hosted at Tiaho School in Wairoa.

This is just one example of how schools, kura and communities are reimagining traditional school events so all ākonga can participate in ways that meet their needs and aspirations.

A collective of wāhine from schools, iwi and community organisations across Wairoa have been working together for 18 months to create inclusive events for taonga tamariki.

This term, the event was a colour run involving 48 participants, plus student leaders from seven local schools.

Sydney Rore, Healthy Active Learning advisor from Sport Hawke’s Bay, says it was great to see the community come together to support this event for taonga tamariki.

“My favourite part of the day was seeing them enjoy the colourful course alongside their teachers, peers, whānau and community."

The colour run included different sensory stations like bubbles, a range of obstacles and tunnels, and of course lots of colour.

Student leaders from Tiaho School and rangatahi from Wairoa College were there to tautoko the participants, as they chose what parts of the course they wanted to experience.

In the spirit of manaakitanga, Kahungunu Executive provided fresh fruit and water to keep tamariki hydrated throughout the day. Together with Sport Hawke’s Bay, they also provided sausages cooked by Wairoa Police and served by rangatahi leaders from Wairoa College.

"Our collective approach to designing and facilitating these events means all participants have the opportunity to participate in ways that suit them. The impact is shown in the increased numbers and huge smiles. An amazing day for all!" says Sydney.

First published in the Education Gazette | Tukutuku Kōrero 18 August 2026