Start Date
16-6-2025 3:30 PM
End Date
16-6-2025 5:00 PM
Abstract
In 2022, New Zealand launched the “Hauora (Wellbeing) Inclusion” initiative in response to global and national frameworks promoting inclusion for children with disabilities, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The Irish National Youth Strategy emphasizes “Active and healthy, physical and mental well-being,” aligning with Sport New Zealand’s strategy to support quality opportunities and equitable participation for disabled people, ensuring everyone benefits from being active. The Hauora initiative creates opportunities for participants to thrieve.
Approximately 11% of New Zealand youth (ages 8-15) identify as disabled and face limited opportunities for physical activity, impacting their physical literacy. The Hauora Inclusion initiative, a collaboration between a Regional Sports Trust, a specialist school, and a mainstream school, sought to enhance wellbeing, foster relationships between disabled and neurodiverse students, and upskill staff in inclusive practices. Over its duration since 2022, the initiative engaged more than 1,000 participants. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one participant stating, “Everyone felt included and had fun.” Schools highlighted its role in fostering inclusion, particularly for neurodiverse families whose children are often underrepresented in school activities.
The program was carefully structured, beginning with inclusion training for school communities in 2022, followed by a pilot program and the first Hauora Inclusion Day in 2023. In 2024, the program expanded, and the success of Inclusion Days led to additional disability-focused events. As of 2025, the initiative continues to promote inclusivity, benefiting students and the wider community.
Recommended Citation
Dalton, Tracey-Lee Dr, "Advancing Inclusion and Wellbeing: The Hauora (Wellbeing) Inclusion Initiative in New Zealand" (2025). International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness. 20.
https://sword.mtu.ie/isapa/2025/day1/20
Advancing Inclusion and Wellbeing: The Hauora (Wellbeing) Inclusion Initiative in New Zealand
In 2022, New Zealand launched the “Hauora (Wellbeing) Inclusion” initiative in response to global and national frameworks promoting inclusion for children with disabilities, as outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The Irish National Youth Strategy emphasizes “Active and healthy, physical and mental well-being,” aligning with Sport New Zealand’s strategy to support quality opportunities and equitable participation for disabled people, ensuring everyone benefits from being active. The Hauora initiative creates opportunities for participants to thrieve.
Approximately 11% of New Zealand youth (ages 8-15) identify as disabled and face limited opportunities for physical activity, impacting their physical literacy. The Hauora Inclusion initiative, a collaboration between a Regional Sports Trust, a specialist school, and a mainstream school, sought to enhance wellbeing, foster relationships between disabled and neurodiverse students, and upskill staff in inclusive practices. Over its duration since 2022, the initiative engaged more than 1,000 participants. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one participant stating, “Everyone felt included and had fun.” Schools highlighted its role in fostering inclusion, particularly for neurodiverse families whose children are often underrepresented in school activities.
The program was carefully structured, beginning with inclusion training for school communities in 2022, followed by a pilot program and the first Hauora Inclusion Day in 2023. In 2024, the program expanded, and the success of Inclusion Days led to additional disability-focused events. As of 2025, the initiative continues to promote inclusivity, benefiting students and the wider community.