Physical activity is widely celebrated for its health benefits, and is a key strategy in improving the wellbeing of New Zealanders.  In addition to increasing physical fitness, physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, depression, and a number of cancers.

 
New Zealand children and young people appear to be following the global trends of increasing overweight and obesity, largely due to a lack of physical activity and physical education.  The 2003 National Child Nutrition Survey found that the amount of physical education being taught in New Zealand schools has declined.
 
      - Approximately one in five children (5–10 years) reported no physical education (PE) class during the
        seven days of study.  
 
      - One in 10 children 11–14 years also did not experience any physical education training in the same
        seven day period.
 
 
Physical activity does not relate solely to participation in sports or individual exercise.  It can include recreational activities, like dancing and horse riding, or simply playing with friends. 
 
Schools can help to promote physical activity by supporting and facilitating active play at break times, encouraging students and families to bike or walk to and from school, and improving the competence and confidence of staff members through staff development and quality resource provision.  If physical activity in education settings is left only to voluntary sport involvement, or left only to the discretion of individual teachers, the risk of non-participation and further inactivity is greatly enhanced. 
 
 
Did you know?
 
  • In 2001, 13% of young people aged between 5 and 17 years of age were sedentary, compared to 8% in 1997.
  • Only 47% of children aged 5-14 years usually use active transport to get to and from school. 
  • Research suggests that physical activity enhances brain function, the learning process and children’s academic performance across all curriculum areas. 
 
 
Information and guidelines on ways to support physical activity in schools can be found in our Guidance documents section.  In order to ensure sustainable changes in physical activity, it is important that these guidelines are implemented using a 'whole school approach'.  This means embedding physical activity messages and practices intp Curriculum, teaching and learning,  School organisation and ethos and Community links and partnerships.    
 
To see examples of what other schools have done, check out our Case studies section, and be sure to look through our Resources for links to free toolkits, posters, books and other information to support your physical activity programme.
Page updated 20 Feb 2012