Active As is a Sport New Zealand-funded programme that supports identified secondary schools around the country to provide more inclusive active recreation and sporting opportunities for their rangatahi. This project aims to enhance students' wellbeing and learning through physical activity, with a three-year plan to develop and implement sport and active recreation in schools.

The programme is rangatahi-led, meaning students take charge and create exciting new opportunities for themselves and their peers to get active and have fun at school. This also provides a great leadership opportunity for young people to learn about the mahi, and processes required to implement such a plan.

With the support of Sport Northland, a group of students from Whangarei Girls’ High School are working to create spaces where their peers can grow, learn, and increase their physical activity levels. This initiative offers students new and diverse sport and active recreation experiences in a safe environment. Currently, Whangarei Girls High School is into their second year of three, finalising plans for students to use these spaces soon.

Two main successes so far include the purchase and use of a pool inflatable playground during term one and the 'have a go' days during lunchtime.

The pool inflatable playground aligns with one of the school's values, Kotahitanga, which encourages curiosity, active engagement, creativity, and learning. Maia Hams, a student from the school says, "I really love the pool float... It makes the pool a more fun and exciting place."

The pool inflatable playground is changed weekly by the rangatahi to provide new challenges, and students also serve as lifeguards to assist their peers. This responsibility has empowered many students.

The 'have a go' days have introduced various physical activities such as yoga, self-defence, and fitness boot camps. These sessions allow students to choose activities they are comfortable with, catering to different abilities and experience levels.

Key outcomes from these projects include:

• Catering to different swimming abilities and confidence levels.
• Weekly changes to the course, providing new challenges.
• Students becoming kaitiaki (guardians) of the equipment.
• Offering a different form of physical activity during class and lunchtime.
• Reinforcing or teaching new skills.

Looking ahead, Whangarei Girls’ High School plans to set up outdoor table tennis tables to create another play area. These will be available before and after school, during break times, and as part of the curriculum.

Article written by Madeline Whittam, Regional System Support