University of Auckland Unveils New School of Exercise, Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences
The University of Auckland has announced the establishment of a new School of Exercise, Sport and Rehabilitation Sciences, transitioning from its former designation as the Department of Exercise Sciences. This change marks a significant evolution in the institution’s offerings over the past thirty years and was celebrated during an event at the Newmarket campus, where contributors to the department’s growth were recognized.
Leadership and Direction
Professor Nick Gant, the acting head of the newly formed school, noted that the updated name and status reflect the institution’s ongoing development and broadened academic scope, encompassing areas from elite sports performance to the medical applications of exercise. The Māori name for the school is Te Kura Whakatāiri Oranga Tinana.
Growing Enrolments and New Programs
Since 2019, student enrolments in the field have doubled, partially due to the introduction of new programs such as a Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology and New Zealand’s first graduate-entry Master of Physiotherapy Practice. In addition, the upcoming Hiwa Recreation Centre, slated for completion in 2024 at a cost of $340 million, is expected to enhance research capabilities in athletic performance.
Partnerships with Elite Sports Organizations
Professor Michael Kingsley, the acting dean of the Faculty of Science, emphasized the strengthened partnerships established with elite sports organizations, including High Performance Sport New Zealand, to elevate high-performance sports in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Global Rankings and Historical Development
In 2025, the university’s sports-related disciplines were ranked 24th globally according to the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings. The development of sports science at the University dates back to 1994 with the founding of the Department of Sport and Exercise Science in 1997, which has been located in Newmarket since 2018.
Acknowledging Historical Contributions
Kingsley expressed appreciation for the contributions of previous leaders of the department, acknowledging their roles in its historical development.
(Source: University of Auckland)
