The Effects of Outdoor Spaces and Activities on the Mental Wellbeing of Adolescent Girls: A Case Study of a Surfing Programme in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

Youth mental health in Aotearoa New Zealand is declining. Current approaches to address this decline focus on illness management and pharmaceutical interventions, despite much evidence suggesting lifestyle-based, culturally responsive strategies may better wellbeing. Families are increasingly time-poor, digital engagement is rising, and youth spend less time outdoors than ever before, particularly young females. The worrying statistics for females have been exacerbated through a phone-based upbringing and a withdrawal from health-enhancing nature spaces. These negative trends highlight the need for responsive, accessible, and culturally grounded wellbeing initiatives.

This study develops and evaluates a female-only, school-based surfing programme grounded in Te Whare Tapa Whā and positive psychology principles. Surfing was selected as a place-responsive activity that leverages local blue spaces and fosters connection to te taiao (the natural environment), while promoting physical, social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. The programme created a model, suitable for replication, to foster wellbeing among young wāhine-females.

Data were gathered using a mixed methods approach. Two quantitative surveys - the Hua Oranga and Mental Health Continuum- Short Form (MHC-SF) - were used as pre- and post-programme measures. In addition, lived experiences were captured through semi-structured interviews with participants conducted at the beginning, mid-point, and end of the programme, with final interviews several months later. Journal entries from the researcher and participants were also included.

A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyse quantitative data. Key findings found that all four taha from the Hua Oranga survey showed statistically significant improvements, with an overall effect size of r = .91. MHC-SF overall scores improved significantly (M = 9.63, SD = 6.81, p = .042, r = .74), with 50% of participants moving into the “flourishing” category post-intervention. Consistently large effect sizes suggested that the surfing programme produced meaningful shifts in wellbeing.

The qualitative results reinforce existing evidence on the benefits of nature and blue spaces, highlighting the importance of connection to self, others, and the environment. Participants reported increased confidence, sense of belonging, and emotional balance, alongside a deeper appreciation of the ocean and its restorative qualities.

The discussion provides evidence of surfing and the ocean as wellbeing enhancers in addition to the documented benefits of rehabilitation-focused interventions. This research contributes to understanding how place-responsive, nature-based programmes can foster flourishing in youth and mitigate the impacts of modern stressors such as social media and sedentary lifestyles.

The thesis concludes with practical implications, including a guideline for developing a place-responsive, nature-based wellbeing programme for schools. This research makes an original and substantive contribution to the body of knowledge in the area of youth wellbeing, ultimately offering a template for schools to adapt. This research offers a pathway for reframing youth mental health not as a problem to be treated, but rather as a potential to be nurtured through connections, care, and nature.