Sport NZ’s Navigating the Future of Secondary School Education in Aotearoa New Zealand explores how rapid changes in curriculum, technology, demographics, and equity could reshape how rangatahi learn and engage with physical activity through to 2040.

The paper challenges the sport and recreation sector to think beyond traditional school sport models, noting that increasing academic pressures and digital learning could reduce participation if approaches don’t evolve.

At the same time, it highlights a significant opportunity, with growing evidence showing that physical activity supports attendance, wellbeing, engagement and the development of life-ready skills, all key priorities in modern education.

Rather than predicting a single future, the report presents a range of scenarios to help organisations test decisions, challenge assumptions and plan more resilient, inclusive approaches for young people.

I highly recommend having a read and engaging in the conversation about how we keep netball adaptable and agile in this changing environment.

navigating-the-future-of-secondary-school-education-in-aotearoa-new-zealand.pdf

Article added: Friday 05 June 2026