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Rangatahi just want to have fun… And many do. BUT some lack confidence, doubt their competence, are too busy and tired. What can we do to ensure that all rangatahi participate in activities that bring them joy? Rangatahi participate in unique ways. Sport NZ have produced some great insights in one of their Active NZ Spotlight series. Participation Participation time and range of activities declines as rangatahi get older with fewer meeting the physical activity guidelines:
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Asian rangatahi have lower levels of activity
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Rangatahi from high deprivation areas are less likely to spend 7-plus hours each week being active
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Kōhine participation declines steeply, particularly in sport although many ‘keep busy with other activities – training at the gym, fitness programs or simply walking’ – and they want to do more dancing, gymnastics, netball and swimming.
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Māori and Pacific rangatahi are more active overall than other groups lower as adults
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Young people are equally engaged in organised and informal active recreation.
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Half of all rangatahi use active transport to school – males three times more likely to bike than females.
Motivations Rangatahi participate for fun, fitness and health. Being active makes young people happy – and increased participation correlates with increased happiness. Barriers However, rangatahi face barriers to participation including: • • •
being too busy too tired struggles with motivation.
NZRA Insights Report – Fight, Flight or Freeze in the Red Zone
Figure 1 Young women from the Women’s Organisation of the Waikato Muslim Association with First Step Outdoors staff, after a river trip.
The biggest difference between young men and young women is at 14 years – and is linked to their confidence and own sense of competence [girls are less likely to say they are good at sport]. Clothing has an impact on confidence. For example, girls don’t bike to school because they are selfconscious about cycling in (school) skirts and experience harassment from males. One Irish school’s campaign #andshecycles aims to change that. Tactics that work Our identity is a source of strength, belonging and pride. One size doesn’t fit all
Tailored initiatives that meet young people’s needs work best. Balance is Better supports quality sport experiences for all young people, regardless of ability, needs and motivations. Golf NZ has worked hard to increase its appeal to girls and women. It conducted research, established a women and girls national advisory group, and took action to ensure that the game is welcoming, flexible, and meeting the needs of female players of all ages. Golf can play an important role in supporting gender equality and challenging stereotypes. Golf NZ Girls and Women approach Reach out to young people
Don’t wait to be asked – create active welcomes, and positive and inclusive environments. Wellington City Council has been working with skaters and scooters to create more opportunities for Rangatahi. “We wanted to shift perceptions about skaters and scooters being annoying, and engage with their community, build relationships,and and create more skateable places across the city – from dedicated skate parks to skateable streets and public spaces.” Alexi Trenouth, Play and Active Recreation Partnership Lead Accessibility and design were paramount in the findings which have led to Council investing in an ongoing programme of skate park upgrades. Through the process staff built relationships with groups such as the Wellington Skate Association, Onboard Skate and Wahine Skate.
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