Northlanders more physically active than people in most other parts of the country – John Wansbone

The Ministry of Health recommends adults aim for at least two and a half hours of moderate activity or one and a quarter hours of vigorous activity each week. Photo / 123rf

Every year Sport New Zealand takes the pulse of the nation through its Active NZ survey.

The survey gathers insights from tens of thousands of New Zealanders aged 5 and over, revealing how physically active we are, how we move, why we move, and importantly, who is missing out. And the latest results are very positive for Northland.

The 2025 survey shows that physical activity levels of young people (aged 5–17) are bouncing back after a concerning slump post-Covid, with 57% of young people across the country now meeting the Ministry of Health’s physical activity guidelines.

Adults are also holding steady, with 61% being physically active, slightly higher than before the pandemic.

But perhaps the most remarkable story comes from right here in Northland.

For years, Northland has been highlighted for its disproportionately poor health outcomes, but the latest survey is extremely encouraging, indicating Northlanders are now more physically active than those in most other parts of the country.

The survey shows 64% of Northland adults are now meeting physical activity guidelines, an increase from 56% in 2023. Even more impressive is the rise in activity levels of young people, also jumping to 64% compared with 51% in 2023.

It’s worth noting that these results make Northland the fourth-most-active region in the country for adults, and even more impressively, the second-most-active region for young people.

Of course, physical activity levels don’t improve in a vacuum. They rise because of the combined efforts of hundreds of people and organisations who care deeply about our communities, our coaches, volunteers, teachers, club committees, marae leaders, community connectors, parents giving up evenings and weekends, and local groups who create spaces where people feel welcomed and supported. To every one of you, thank you. These results reflect your mahi.

However, as positive as the data is, the survey also highlights where inequities remain.

Several population groups across the country are still missing out more than others, most notably girls, ethnic minorities, disabled people, rainbow communities, people living in high-deprivation areas and people experiencing challenges in their mental health.

In Northland, the greatest inequity exists between the genders of young people, with 68% of boys meeting the physical activity guidelines compared with only 60% of girls.

This finding isn’t new to the sector, and it reinforces why Sport NZ’s Women and Girls Strategy in Sport and Active Recreation remains essential. Schools, clubs and sporting bodies must continue working collectively to remove barriers, redesign experiences, and ensure girls can participate in ways that feel safe, enjoyable and culturally relevant.

John Wansbone

For Māori, the picture is mixed but encouraging. While physical activity levels for Māori in Tai Tokerau sit slightly below those of non-Māori, they remain on par with national averages.

And a standout statistic is that wāhine Māori are the most physically active demographic in Northland.

This speaks to the strength of kaupapa Māori approaches that centre connection, whanaungatanga, wairua and movement as part of a wider expression of wellbeing.

The survey also tells us how we prefer to be physically active. Among Northland adults, the most common activities aren’t competitive sports, they’re walking, gardening and working out to improve fitness. For young people, the favourites are playing games with friends, playground activity and swimming.

There is another interesting insight, that while young people are motivated more by having fun with whānau and friends, adults also like to be active on their own. It’s a reminder that physical activity is personal, and our system must cater for the social, the solitary, and everything in between.

Remaining physically active is one of the most important things we can do for our physical and mental health.

The Ministry of Health recommends adults aim for at least two and a half hours of moderate activity or one and a quarter hours of vigorous activity each week.

That’s just 30 minutes a day, five days a week. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is to go for a walk every day. Walking is accessible, free and carries enormous benefits, from improved cardiovascular health to better mood, stress reduction, and stronger joints and muscles.

Northland still faces many health challenges, but these results are encouraging and this is something worth celebrating. We are a region on the move, and the rest of the country is taking notice.