Apply Enquire

Staff intranet Student website

AUT

Study

Research in sport and recreation

Ranked in the top 39 in the world, AUT is globally known for its leading sport and exercise science research. Our research covers sport and activity-related areas, as well as performance, nutrition, coaching and human potential.

We're proud to be the home of New Zealand's top sport and fitness facility, AUT Millennium, and the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) is New Zealand’s number one sports research institute.

Institutes, centres and networks

Research archive

J.E. Lindsay Carter Kinanthropometry Clinic

Research degrees

AUT Millennium

Our researchers work on key national projects at AUT Millennium, our world-class sports training and research facility in Mairangi Bay.

AUT Millennium website

Explore our research expertise

AUT's academic supervisors are recognised world-class researchers who have the expert knowledge to guide you throughout your studies.

_{If you’re interested in applying to a PhD or MPhil, email doctoral.and.mphil.admissions@aut.ac.nz first to assess your eligibility for the programme.}

Our academics John Cronin Professor of Strength and Conditioning Research in high performance sport is a key focus for Professor John Cronin who has worked with some of the world’s top athletes, and believes that being an academic is all about people. Research in high performance sport is a key focus for Professor John Cronin who currently supervises a number of postgraduate students from New Zealand and overseas. Former discus world champion Beatrice Faumuina, New Zealand Cricket and the Silver Ferns have all benefited from Professor Cronin’s strength and conditioning expertise.

Read full story

Our academics Erica Hinckson Professor of Physical Activity and the Environment Progressing research that benefits people and communities has been an overriding theme of Professor Erica Hinckson’s career. Progressing research that benefits people and communities has been an overriding theme of Professor Erica Hinckson’s career, with a focus on reducing the prevalence of physical inactivity. A highly successful former athlete, she has earned a place on the University of California San Diego’s Hall of Fame in recognition of her exceptional contribution to UCSD Athletics.

Read full story

Our academics Grant Schofield Professor of Public Health Professor Grant Schofield is an authority on wellbeing and chronic disease prevention, especially related to reducing the risk from factors like obesity. Professor Grant Schofield is internationally known as an authority on wellbeing and chronic disease prevention, especially related to reducing the risk from obesity, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In addition to being professor of public health, Professor Schofield is director of the Human Potential Centre.

Read full story

News

Mastering delivery of nutrition skills

13 Apr, 2022

Master of Sport, Exercise and Health student Olivia Malamatenios (Ngāpuhi) always aimed to work in health promotion and inspire healthier lifestyles.

Rural communities grow top athletes

07 Apr, 2022

Research on elite New Zealand hockey players from small-town and rural areas has produced new evidence on what can help make a top athlete.

5 questions with Lefaoali’i Dion Enari

07 Apr, 2022

We asked him five questions about his research and the importance of placing sustainability at the heart of research activity.

Distance - the key to active transport

23 Mar, 2022

Distance is the strongest determining factor for how teenagers feel about walking or cycling to school according to new research.

Leaps of discovery in sports research

08 Feb, 2022

Imagine analysing the way a person hopped could help predict and improve their sprint performance. That is what AUT PhD candidate Ant Sharp is exploring.

View all news

Events

Get Going Keep Growing: Semester 2 intake event

Saturday 2 Jul, 9am - 3pm

AUT LIVE – The most open day!

Saturday 27 Aug, 8am - 3pm

View all events

Great graduatesAlyssa-Joy SpenceDoctor of PhilosophyIs it a good idea to combine powerlifting training and stretching? That’s the interesting question Alyssa-Joy Spence is investigating for her PhD research.Is it a good idea to combine powerlifting training and stretching? That’s the interesting question Alyssa-Joy Spence is investigating for her PhD research. Her supervisors were the reason Alyssa started the long journey from Canada to New Zealand to complete her PhD in sport and recreation.

Read full story

Great graduatesTeigan BondBachelor of Sport and Recreation
Master of Sport, Exercise and HealthShe feels fortunate to work closely with New Zealand Cricket for her master’s degree research, says Master of Sport, Exercise and Health student Teigan.She feels fortunate to be able to work closely with New Zealand Cricket for her master’s degree research, says Teigan Bond who is currently studying a Master of Sport, Exercise and Health, specialising in Sport Leadership and Management. Teigan says gender disparity in sport leadership is a topic she has been passionate about since she first heard about the issue as an undergraduate student.

Read full story

Great graduatesErika IkedaPostdoctoral Fellow, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United KingdomDoctor of Philosophy
Master of Health Science
Postgraduate Diploma in Health ScienceShe chose AUT because of the calibre of her supervisor, says sport and recreation alumna Erika Ikeda who came to AUT as an international student from Japan.She chose AUT because of the calibre of her supervisor, says sport and recreation alumna Erika Ikeda who came to AUT as an international student from Japan. The opportunities for multidisciplinary research and collaboration are what Erika has enjoyed most about her studies at AUT. She also appreciated having access to the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) and its fantastic facilities.

Read full story

Great graduatesWataru HiramatsuHead Strength and Conditioning Coach, Japan Women’s 15 National Rugby Football Team & Strength and Conditioning Coach, Suntory Sungoliath, Tokyo, JapanComing to AUT for postgraduate study was an easy decision, says Wataru Hiramatsu who works with Japan’s top rugby teams as a strength and conditioning coach.Coming to AUT for postgraduate study was an easy decision, says Wataru Hiramatsu who is now working with Japan Women’s 15 National Rugby Football Team and Suntory Sungoliath as a strength and conditioning coach. Being able to learn from experts in his field was one of the highlights of his studies, Wataru says.

Read full story

Great graduatesChloe McKenzieStrength and Conditioning Coach, High Performance Sport New Zealand / Owner, Next Level NetballDoctor of Philosophy
Master of Sport and Exercise
Bachelor of Sport and RecreationHelping athletes achieve their goals is what she loves most about being a strength and conditioning coach, says sport and recreation alumna Chloe McKenzie.Helping athletes achieve their goals is what she loves most about her career as a strength and conditioning coach, says sport and recreation alumna Chloe McKenzie. She has always had a love for sport, says Chloe whose passion for sport and recreation saw her take on study from undergraduate level all the way up to a PhD.

Read full story

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your web browser at any time. Learn more.