In an inspiring display of youth leadership and empowerment, a group of students from Darfield High School has taken the initiative to make a positive change, within their school's physical activity landscape.

When the Voice of Rangatahi (VoR) survey was conducted at Darfield High School in 2021, it presented a need for more activities to be on offer for students. Sport New Zealand's (SNZ) Voice of Rangatahi initiative aims to help schools across the country, to better understand in-school physical activity experiences of intermediate and secondary school students.

From the data gathered in the survey, it created dialogue between the school, Sport Canterbury and Selwyn Sports Trust, to look at opportunities to enhance physical activity experiences. As a result, Sport Canterbury extended an invitation to Darfield High School to participate in the Insights to Action Project.

A dedicated group of 12-15 students from different year groups self-nominated themselves to lead this project, where they collaborated to produce a proposal for a new half-basketball court - exclusively for Year 7 and 8 students only. Their innovative solution was born from the necessity to provide a dedicated space for this year group, to play the school's fastest growing sport, as these year groups were challenged by senior students accessing the main courts.

Despite financial constraints initially casting doubt on the project, the committed student group took matters into their own hands. They actively pursued sponsorships and funding from local entities, such as Frew's Contracting, ITM, Cat, and Total Weld Services, and their efforts not only received discounted supplies, but also vital project management support.

Student Project Manager, Lachie didn’t see why they couldn’t just go-and-ask.

“We thought they’re a bunch of big brands and likely will sponsor us, so we popped down there and they were happy to help out.”

Darfield High School Sports Coordinator, Pip Deans was blown away by the initiative of the students to lead the project.

“These students from across different year groups have come together for the benefit of existing and future students entering into the school.”

“Basketball is often an unfamiliar sport for new entrants to the school, so to have their own court will be a great way to introduce them to the sport.”

The students have not only created a lasting impact on their school but have also exemplified the potential of youth-led initiatives, creating a more inclusive and engaging school environment. Applying Ara Taiohi's Mana Taiohi principles-based framework to the 'Insights to Action' Project has placed the young people at the centre, to ensure the project is student-led from start-to-finish.

Darfield High School are set to complete construction of the half-basketball court in Term 4 of 2023, with the projects journey serving as a testament to the power of youth voice.