Active Wāhine Programme at Mairehau High School: Empowering Young Women Through Sport
The Active Wāhine Programme is a transformative initiative at Mairehau High School, aimed at inspiring young women to embrace physical activity, build confidence, and develop leadership skills. Through workshops, fitness activities, and team sports, the programme creates a supportive space for students to grow personally and socially while exploring their potential.
Launched in Term 1, the programme began by identifying a group of Year 9 girls who loved being active but lacked confidence, often feeling overshadowed. Through lunchtime workshops, the girls reflected on their relationship with sport, sharing ideas about what makes it meaningful and engaging for them. Their insights shaped a dynamic approach to physical activity that emphasizes fun, inclusion, and skill-building.
In Term 3, the group participated in a 6-week Box Fit programme, boosting their fitness, resilience, and camaraderie. Now, in Term 4, they are trying a variety of sports, further building teamwork, confidence, and friendships.
Impact and Participant Reflections
The programme has achieved remarkable outcomes:
- 100% of participants reported increased confidence.
- 87% have tried a new activity since joining.
- 100% feel more comfortable encouraging their friends to be active.
- 75% have applied what they learned outside the programme.
- 87% plan to stay active after the programme ends.
- 100% found the variety of activities, friendships, and goal-setting opportunities beneficial.
Participant feedback highlights the programme’s impact:
- “The programme has challenged me to keep going even when you feel like giving up.”
- “I believe in myself more because I couldn’t do it that much because of my arm.”
- “My highlights have been having fun with my friends and learning new sports.”
- “My highlights have been trying new things.”
Award-Winning Programme
The Active Wāhine Programme has been recognised for its outstanding impact, winning the School Sport Canterbury Zonta Awards – Category 7 for the most innovative school sports programme designed to engage non-participants. This prestigious award highlights the programme’s success in empowering students to build confidence, foster friendships, and embrace active lifestyles in meaningful and inclusive ways.
Looking Ahead to 2025
Building on the success of the Active Wāhine Programme, Mairehau High School is excited to expand opportunities for students in 2025. New initiatives will focus on offering even more diverse physical activities, leadership workshops, and personal development sessions. The school remains committed to fostering a positive, inclusive environment where all students can thrive, empowering the next generation to lead active, confident lives.
The Active Wāhine Programme is about more than just sports—it’s about building a generation of empowered, confident young women. With the support of the school and wider community, this initiative is shaping a brighter future for these wāhine, equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in all aspects of life.
Thank-you to our partners, The Kind Foundation, Primary School Sport & Sport Canterbury for their ongoing support with the programme over the past year
Active Wāhine: Where fun, friendship, and fitness come together!