Health Promoting Schools (HPS) in Aotearoa/New Zealand is based on the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, Te Whare Tapa Whä model for hauora/well-being and the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion.  It is an effective way to improve the learning outcomes and health and well-being of all students in the school setting through a whole school approach.

HPS focuses on schools as an integral part of the wider community and offers practical ways for children and young people, teachers, managers, parents and community members to contribute to schools and the wider community being healthy settings.  It isn’t just about physical health, it’s also about Mental and Emotional Well-being, Social Well-being and Spiritual Well-being (Hauora).