September 19th, 2024
A fresh report from Growing Up in New Zealand, alongside Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, reveals that a staggering 90% of 12-year-olds engage in recreational activities, showcasing the youth's vibrant engagement in arts, culture, and recreation.
The big picture: The University of Auckland's longitudinal study, which tracks over 6,000 young New Zealanders and their families from pre-birth, provides valuable insights into the cultural and recreational involvements of the country's youth. This report, released on Children's Day 2024, highlights the significant participation of children in extracurricular activities.
By the numbers:
97% of 12-year-olds are involved in extracurricular activities, ranging from sports to arts, crafts, and technology.
72% manage to complete their homework weekly, and 89% participate in household chores, balancing their activities effectively.
Sports activities captivate 88% of this age group, making it the most popular category.
More than half (52%) listen to music daily, while 75% read books at least once a week.
Artistic expression through painting or drawing is a regular pastime for 39%, and 15% engage in kapa haka.
Zoom in: Emily Fabling, Deputy Secretary Policy and Sector Performance at Manatū Taonga, praised the high level of engagement among children in cultural activities. She stressed the importance of this engagement for the future of New Zealand's arts, performance, and creative sectors.
What they're saying: "This is a really high level of participation and great confirmation that almost all children in New Zealand value taking part in arts, culture, and recreational activities in their spare time," Fabling noted, emphasising the balance children maintain with academic and household responsibilities.
The bottom line: The findings not only shed light on the preferences and activities of New Zealand's youth but also aim to inform efforts to improve access to arts, culture, and recreation. With such high levels of participation, the report underlines the importance of continuing to support and develop opportunities for children in these areas.
For more insights and detailed breakdowns of participation, the full report "Arts, Culture and Recreation Participation in the Growing Up in New Zealand Cohort at 12-Years" is available, offering a comprehensive view of how the country's youth engage with and benefit from extracurricular activities.