The future vision for Healthy Active Learning

Healthy Active Learning holds a vision of an Aotearoa New Zealand where all young people have access to, and understand the value of, quality kai, inu and physical activity to support their wellbeing as they grow up.

As the report has shown, change is happening. Many education settings that were once actively supported by the Healthy Active Learning workforce are now thriving under the strengthened leadership of senior staff and champions who recognise how centring wellbeing across culture can boost learning and student outcomes. The initiative continues to mature and evolve, and the evaluation highlights a few trends which will continue to be monitored to inform future implementation.

1. School attendance

Increasing national regular attendance rates post COVID-19 is a nationally recognised priority. For this reason, it is exciting to see there is emerging evidence that Healthy Active Learning is contributing to school attendance. Healthy Active Learning schools in high EQI, urban areas achieved a 4.2% higher regular attendance rate during winter for older students than their non-Healthy Active Learning counterparts by 2024.

2. Supporting whānau to be wellbeing champions

Evaluation suggests that whānau perceptions of the importance of kai, inu and quality physical activity opportunities for their tamariki, and their provision, are becoming less positive. There has also been a drop in activity outside school time. Although possibly reflections of wider societal trends and economic challenges, working alongside schools to strengthen connections to whānau and community is a priority.

3. Continuing to shift the narrative around kai and inu

Over the last 5 years, while Healthy Active Learning has been operational, there has been a significant increase in the cost of food, coupled with rising rates of food insecurity. Evaluation suggests that while kaiako are comfortable talking to whānau about physical activity, they are reluctant to discuss kai and inu at the risk of seeming judgmental. There is a real need to change the narrative around kai and inu, to move away from 'good and bad food' to a more strengths-based view that removes any stigma. We want to encourage our young people to be curious and positive about kai and inu, where it comes from, how it makes us feel and the ways it connects us.