NZ Sport and Physical Activity Surveys
The New Zealand Sport and Physical Activity Survey (NZSPAS) is a national survey that measures participation in sport and recreation, and the physical activity levels of New Zealand adults aged 16 years and over.
Three surveys have been run to date - 1997/98, 1998/99 and 2000/01. A total of 16,500 New Zealanders have been interviewed - including 12,500 adults (people aged 18 and over) and 4000 young people (5-17 year olds).
About the 2007/08 NZSPAS
Collection of data for the 2007/08 NZSPAS will start in March 2007. Data collection takes 12 months, so the results will be released in 2008.
What the NZSPAS covers
The NZSPAS covers organised and non-organised sports, as well as recreational activities such as walking and cycling.
It also covers different 'domains' in which people take part in physical activity - whether it is done as part of a person's job, around their home, or as a means of traveling between places (eg, walking or cycling to work or school).
When looking at participation levels, we're measuring:
- what physical activity was done (eg, swimming)
- for how long (eg, 15 minutes)
- how often (eg, 3 times last week), and
- how much effort was exerted (eg, high intensity).
Measuring all these aspects allows us to determine the number of New Zealanders who are active at a level that is beneficial for their health.
The survey also asks about membership of clubs, coaching and sports volunteering - to provide a comprehensive picture of sports participants for national sport organisations.
Who carries out the surveys
The Nielsen Company, a market research company, was awarded the NZSPAS contract after a competitive tender process.
Updated | 18 Jan 2008.
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