A pilot project under way at Tawhero School aims to bring out the best in Maori students through physical activity.
E Tu Te Tuakana has been running this term at the school and a school in Auckland.
Twice a week, the group of about 12 children spends time with Awhi Turvey from the Whanganui District Health Board and Justin Gush from Awa Sports, learning traditional Maori games and movement.
Ms Turvey said the school had chosen students with natural leadership to take part in the programme.
"But it also targets kids who have the potential to be leaders but may not have had the circumstances or opportunities to use their leadership skills," she said. The students then teach the rest of the school the games they've learned.