Our Journey

“Equity is at the forefront of everything that we do. We really don't do anything unless it's about improving health outcomes for disadvantaged communities.” – Health workforce kaimahi

The story so far

The origins of Healthy Active Learning can be traced back to the 2015 School Sport Futures Report, which shared the need for school sport and HPE to be re-imagined. Play.sport collaboratively worked to improve the quality of PE, sport, physical activity and play experiences in schools, as well as connection between schools and their communities. This important mahi helped shape the principles and partnerships that underpin Healthy Active Learning.

Healthy Active Learning began during the COVID-19 pandemic – a time that highlighted the importance of education settings in addressing inequities and supporting wellbeing. Ongoing challenges, including  rising food costs, have made this work more complex. Evaluation findings show that affordability is now cited as a barrier to healthy eating by 41% of survey respondents. 

5 years on, the initiative is achieving its intended short-term outcomes and is predominantly achieving its medium-term outcomes. While long-term outcomes are yet to be realised, positive shifts are emerging. Teachers feel confident delivering quality health and physical education, and education settings increasingly recognise food, drink and physical activity as foundations for ākonga success.

These changes are contributing to increased physical activity in class time, and more inclusive, connected learning environments.

Milestones