When ākonga have a say in how they move

The courts are packed with ākonga playing pickleball and tennis. A game of volleyball is underway on the sand court and someone just roared with excitement after scoring a goal in a casual game of football.

These are the now familiar sights and sounds at Western Heights High School in Rotorua, where ākonga are having fun while being active at breaktimes.

Since Active As began, the school has been creating sport and recreation opportunities shaped by what rangatahi say matters to them. The goal is simple: help more rangatahi move in ways they enjoy, supporting their wellbeing, learning and sense of belonging.

Listening to rangatahi and understanding what matters to them is at the heart of Active As. Schools, guided by Mana Taiohi principles, work alongside rangatahi to shape opportunities, rather than making decisions for them.

It’s an approach that applies beyond schools too. Across play, active recreation and sport, understanding what people enjoy and what motivates them can help create experiences that work for them.

What ākonga are telling us

As well as shaping Active As, ākonga share what being active at school means to them in a video produced by the school’s AV club. They talk about the difference being active can make.

“It has helped me with stress and even with these internals, you know, stacking up this month.”

“Honestly, it’s given me a lot of confidence to make new friends, get out there. It’s helped me get out of my comfort zone.”

“Active As gives us many opportunities to make more friends, playing sports and all that kind of stuff.”

“Because everyone can be included…You get to play games with everyone on these courts, whether it be tennis, pickleball or the Active As gear that is out here.”

“I just come down here to like relax and release a little bit of energy.”

Active As is designed to support activity throughout the school day, including in class, at breaktimes and after school. It brings flexibility that reflects where schools and ākonga are at.

Of the ākonga surveyed through Voice of Rangatahi at Western Heights High School, 51% say they can have a say in what physical activities are offered at school. Physical activity levels have also increased over time. 45% say they are more active than last year and 35% say they are just as active as last year.

Creating space for everyone to take part

Tia, an Active As Coordinator at the school, says the programme is helping create opportunities for Te Maru ākonga with diverse and complex needs to take part in ways that work for them.

“Active As caters to Te Maru students by providing inclusive and adaptable activities that allow every student to participate and stay engaged throughout each session. Through these experiences, students are building confidence, resilience and social skills by having fun and remaining active in a supportive and inclusive environment.”

Tia also spoke with Te Maru ākonga about what they enjoyed about taking part and what their experiences meant to them.

One ākonga from the Active As Mountain Biking club shared what they enjoyed the most, “Getting to learn in a new environment. And it was fun.”

An ākonga who gave touch rugby a go shared, “I like active on touch…you get to do drilling, running, catching and kicking and training”

Another shared, “It makes me happier and I get fresh air.”

Building connection and belonging

Active As has helped Western Heights High School offer ākonga more ways to get active, from everyday activities through to representing the school in different sports. It has also helped create a place where students feel they belong.

Ross, Director of Sport, says:

“The programme provides a place for our students to feel they belong and that they are accepted without judgement. This creates an environment where they can be themselves and build the motivation to want to be at school, to connect with friends and gain the huge range of benefits that come from participating in and being physically active on a regular basis."