Regions
HESSA provides a national framework, including policies, processes and systems, to support our members to access student sporting opportunities at a local, regional and national level. One of the key benefits of HESSA membership is that we help ensure students meet the eligibility criteria to access student sports.
Participation and competition start at a local level, so one of HESSA’s key objectives is to build relationships with regional sporting bodies and groups. If you have an existing home education sports group or an interest in supporting your region to develop student sporting opportunities, we would love to hear from you at hello@hessa.org.nz.
Regional sports contacts
Auckland — Homeschool Auckland Sports & Cultural Association (HASCA)
HASCA unite and support homeschooling families through education and sports, cultural events, and activities in the Auckland region. Visit hascanz.org.
North Canterbury — Mahi Mātātoa
Mahi Mātātoa organise opportunities for home educators in the region to connect through their Sports Club, Ag Club, hikes, camps, and other social gatherings. Visit the Mahi Mātātoa Facebook group.
Wairarapa & Wellington
Wairarapa — WAISSSport
Inter-collegiate secondary-age student sports in Wairarapa are administered by Wairarapa Secondary School Sport (WAISSSport). WAISSSport will support home school students to participate as an individual or as part of a team, and will help students find a school team to play in.
- Home school students are eligible for medal placings in individual sports.
- Composite teams made up entirely of home-schooled students are permitted.
WAISSSport Bylaws 2021, Bylaw 8 covers home schooled students.
Wellington — College Sport Wellington
Inter-college secondary-age student sports in Wellington are administered by College Sport Wellington (CSW). CSW permit home-school students to participate in individual events, but they are not eligible for medal placings — they can participate but not compete. Home-school students can be members of school composite teams, and composite teams made up entirely of home-schooled students are not permitted.
College Sport Wellington Bylaws 2025, clause 8 covers home schooled students.
Eligibility references
The following national and regional regulations currently govern access for home educated domestic students. The summaries below reflect the published regulations at the time this page was prepared; regulations can change, so please check the current source and talk to HESSA before relying on them.
| Body | Individual sports | Team sports |
|---|---|---|
| School Sport NZ (national) | HESSA members may participate in sanctioned Cup and Festival tiered events where the event organiser agrees. | Composite school teams only, below premier level, where the student has been part of the team for the season. |
| WAISSSport (Wairarapa) | May participate; eligible for medal placings. | Composite teams permitted, including teams made up entirely of home-schooled students. |
| College Sport Wellington | May participate in individual events; not eligible for medal placings. | Composite school teams for Tier 2 and 3 competitions; all-home-schooled teams not permitted. |
| Sport Bay of Plenty | May participate where the delivery partner agrees; not eligible for medal placings. | Composite school teams below Qualifier and Championship (Division One) level; all-home-schooled teams not permitted. |
| School Sport Canterbury | May participate where the event organiser agrees; not eligible for medal placings. | Composite school teams below premier level; all-home-schooled teams not permitted. |