Voice of rangatahi 2024
Key findings
Voice of rangatahi 2024
Key findings
28 November 2025
The voice of rangatahi survey is focused on how rangatahi experience physical activity in secondary schools and kura. It’s run in partnership with Regional Sports Trusts and the Regional Sports Director network.
These are the key findings from the rangatahi who took part in the 2024 survey.
Who took part
18,997 rangatahi.
From 105 schools and kura across 14 Regional Sports Trust regions.
What we heard
- 33% of rangatahi are very or extremely satisfied with their physical activity experience at school.
- 55% of rangatahi are simply satisfied.
- 13% of rangatahi say they are dissatisfied.
- Among the physical activity options at school, rangatahi enjoy competitive sports the most and PE classes the least.
- Satisfaction with physical activities declines as rangatahi move through secondary school.
- Girls are less satisfied with their overall experience.
“I am able to build connections with other people who are interested in the same sport that I am, which creates a more positive atmosphere when on the field, as well as off the field.” – Year 13 student.
Overall satisfaction and key findings
Very / extremely satisfied
Satisfied
Dissatisfied / extremely dissatisfied
Overall satisfaction
In PE class
Physical activity at break or lunch times
Other organised physical activities (eg, kapa haka, dance, camp)
Competitive sport
“Some of the stuff we have been doing has been boring and not getting us as active as we want. Also, a lot of the equipment is old and broken and hinders our ability to play.” – Year 11 student
What rangatahi want to change
Almost two-thirds of rangatahi want to be more physically active – either at school or outside of it.
Want to be more active in school
62%
Want to be more active outside of school
75%
Top 5 areas for improvement
- 35% facilities (eg, changing rooms, toilets).
- 34% playing/training spaces (eg, fields, courts).
- 24% timing of opportunities (eg, trials, competitions, training).
- 24% PE or sports uniform.
- 23% range of activities offered.
Reasons for satisfaction and dissatisfaction
Reasons for satisfaction:
- Having fun with friends.
- A variety of activities.
- Access to good equipment and facilities.
Reasons for dissatisfaction:
- Activities aren’t engaging.
- Feeling uncomfortable or excluded.
- Limited access to space and equipment.
- Low confidence and motivation.
“I just love playing sports at school, even though I am not very good – maybe it’s because I have friends to do it with.” – Year 7 student.
Gender differences
Girls
- Less satisfied overall, with levels lowest in co-educational schools.
- Less satisfied with PE and break-time activities.
- Want better facilities, more inclusive activities, and more say in what they do.
- 59% want to be more active at school.
- 77% want to be more active outside school.
"The physical activity at school is mostly guys and girls get pushed out or made fun of when trying to join." – Year 11 student.
Boys
- More satisfied overall, especially in all-boys schools.
- Value independence, social time, and skill development.
- Want better venues, facilities, and timing of activities.
“[I am very satisfied...] because of the team culture that it builds and being able to hang out with different people while still doing a physical activity.” – Year 12 student.
% very or extremely satisfied with their physical activity experience
29%
31%
36%
43%
Girls in co-ed schools
Girls in girls’ schools
Boys in co-ed schools
Boys in boys’ schools
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