At a glance: Active schools and kura

Research shows that physical activity can lift ākonga engagement, attendance, achievement and wellbeing. 

These 2 short resources – focused on primary and secondary schools – summarise key insights and actions to help ensure every ākonga has quality opportunities to be active.

What’s included 

Each ‘At a glance’ resource provides: 

• key evidence in a quick, easy-to-read summary 
• positive trends and considerations for schools and kura 
• practical actions for leaders  
• insights from Sport NZ programmes and initiatives. 

Who this is for 

These resources are for people who make, influence or support decisions about physical activity in schools and kura. 

This might include:  

• Tumuaki (principals), deputy and assistant principals  
• Senior leadership teams 
• Heads of department, kaiako (teachers) and sports directors responsible for wellbeing, physical or outdoor education 
• School board members. 

Download

At a glance: Active schools and kura – primary schools

pdf - 1064 KB

At a glance: Active schools and kura – secondary schools

pdf - 1249 KB

 

Note: If you’re printing these resources, A3 works best for accessibility. 

 

Explore the research, resources and case studies to learn more. 

 

Primary schools 

Research	Resources	Case studies
Active bodies, active minds report	Reviewing your school’s physical activity approach	Pūrākau in motion – James Cook School
Voice of Tamariki 2025	MoveWell approach	Engaging ākonga in maths through physical activity – Pāmapūria School
Student Voice report 2025	Increasing Community Access to Schools Toolkit	School surfing programme making waves
Active NZ Survey 2024/25		Creating a culture of play – Paekākāriki School
The Value of Blue and Green Spaces report		Learning through connecting with te taiao – Te Kura o Te Muriwai
		One teacher’s mission to revitalise PE – Rhode Street School

 

Secondary schools 

Research	Resources	Case studies
Active bodies, active minds report	Reviewing your school’s physical activity approach	Redefining physical activity – Te Aute College
Voice of Rangatahi 2025	MoveWell approach	Ākonga reflection: Girls’ participation in sport and PE – Mana College
Student Voice report 2025	Increasing Community Access to Schools Toolkit	Initiative gets rangatahi moving – Māngere College
Active NZ Survey 2024/25		Strengthening connections to culture, community and te taiao – Tolaga Bay Area School
The Value of Blue and Green Spaces report