News and updates

Keep up with the latest from PENZ and the physical education community. Explore organisational updates, curriculum developments, sector voices, teaching stories, resources, events, and ideas shaping physical education across Aotearoa.

PENZ updates News from our team, Board, programmes, partnerships, and national work.

Curriculum and advocacy Developments affecting physical education, assessment, policy, and teaching.

Stories from the sector Ideas, experiences, achievements, and perspectives from across the PE community.

Latest news

Browse the latest PENZ news and sector updates. Select an item to read the full story.

Chief Executive

Jul 15, 2026

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update

Looking Ahead: Celebrating 90 Years of PENZ

Planning is already underway for a landmark year in 2027. As PENZ celebrates its 90th anniversary, we’ll also host our 69th PENZ Conference, bringing together educators from across Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to celebrate our history, strengthen our connections, and shape the future of physical education together.

Chief Executive

Jun 10, 2026

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update

We're half-way through the year already! Reflecting on recent milestones, including celebrating the legacy of Clive Pope, the release of the Phase 5 curriculum materials, and preparations for this year’s Big Day Out series. This update also acknowledges the ongoing support of our members, partners, Sport New Zealand, and the Ministry of Education as we continue to strengthen physical education across Aotearoa.

PENZMemorial

May 11, 2026

Remembering Clive Pope

We remember and honour the life of Clive Pope, whose contribution to physical education in Aotearoa touched generations of educators and learners. Share a memory, story or photo on our community memory board as we celebrate his remarkable legacy and support his whānau.

May 5, 2026

PENZ Draft Curriculum Submission

Formal submission from PENZ in response to the Draft Physical Education Curriculum Phases 1-4, highlighting key concerns and proposing a sector-informed way forward.

Apr 8, 2026

Rangatahi Rōpū | Formal Feedback to Draft HPE Curriculum

Rangatahi rōpū formal feedback letter regarding the draft Health and Physical Education curriculum.

Chief Executive

Apr 2, 2026

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update: March 2026

It's been a full on Term, but we're still just getting started.

Chief Executive

Feb 18, 2026

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update: February 2026

Welcome to 2026 – a year of both momentum and complexity.

Dec 8, 2025

A Primary Take on the 2025 Draft HPE Curriculum

A primary teacher takes a close look at the 2025 Draft HPE Curriculum, raising concerns about narrowed PE pathways, weakened integration, limited te ao Māori guidance, and the risk of leaving some ākonga behind.

Dec 4, 2025

Help Shape an Alternative Draft HPE Curriculum

Share your ideas to help shape Aotearoa New Zealand's future HPE curriculum.

Dec 3, 2025

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update: December 2025

Shaping the future of physical education in Aotearoa together.

Nov 26, 2025

HPE Specialist Lifts Learning at Elm Park School

Learning, wellbeing, and student confidence is increasing.

Nov 25, 2025

Draft HPE Curriculum Misses the Point - and the Future

Dr Dillon Landi, originally from the USA, discusses Hauora & real-world movement.

Nov 17, 2025

Kāore i te Tau: This is not balance

EOTC & HPE Lead, Thomas Hobbs discusses why the draft HPE curriculum is unbalanced.

Nov 14, 2025

Deep Concerns Over Draft HPE Curriculum

Experts warn draft curriculum undermines quality & evidence-based HPE.

Nov 12, 2025

Timeline of the Draft HPE Curriculum

PENZ is tracking the draft HPE curriculum, highlighting concerns.

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update: November 2025

Chief Executive

Nov 12, 2025

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update: November 2025

Quality PE still matters for our tamariki and rangatahi.

Oct 28, 2025

Curriculum Update: PENZ Letter to the Minister of Education

PENZ raises concerns about the redevelopment of the HPE curriculum.

Oct 7, 2025

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update: October 2025

While we wait for the Curriculum, it's a good time to reflect on why PE matters.

Oct 7, 2025

NCEA Physical Education Updates for 2026

For planning; use current 2025 versions for assessment.

Oct 7, 2025

PENZ Annual Stakeholder Survey Now Open!

Share your views in the PENZ Survey and win 1 of 5 $100 Prezzy Cards!

Sep 3, 2025

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update: September 2025

What's going on with the PE Curriculum? What's its current status?

Sep 1, 2025

Supporting Future Teachers of Health and PE at AUT

Our Curriculum Adviser recently visited AUT students to inspire quality PE practice.

Aug 26, 2025

Kylie Thompson recognised as a 2025 PENZ Fellow

Inspired by a great PE teacher as a teen, she's now shaping PE nationwide.

Aug 6, 2025

Waikato Teacher & Māori Dean leads cultural change in PE

Jacob’s award-winning project is transforming PE in Aotearoa.

Aug 6, 2025

NCEA is set for a shake-up: PENZ urges caution and clarity

PENZ urges PE teachers to dig deeper and have their say.

PENZ

Aug 5, 2025

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update: August 2025

If there's one thing we know for sure, change is going to happen.

PENZ

Jul 17, 2025

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update: July 2025

PENZ Conference highlights, HPE Day plans, and a call to prioritise daily PE.

Teachers, Leaders & Advocates Gather in Queenstown

Conference

Jul 16, 2025

Teachers, Leaders & Advocates Gather in Queenstown

PENZ 2025 brought over 200 educators to Queenstown to lead, grow, and connect.

Guidance for Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in PE

Conference

Jul 16, 2025

Guidance for Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in PE

Navigate safe, ethical and effective use of generative AI in Aotearoa schools.

PENZ

Jun 4, 2025

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update: June 2025

New resources, regional growth, and a big year ahead for PE in Aotearoa.

New Maramataka PE Poster Connects Movement with Mātauranga Māori

Resource

Jun 3, 2025

New Maramataka PE Poster Connects Movement with Mātauranga Māori

New PENZ resource supports culturally grounded approaches to PE.

PENZ

May 12, 2025

Kaihautū Whakahaere Update

It’s been a busy few months at PENZ, and we’ve made some great strides in strengthening our professional community and advocating for quality physical education across Aotearoa. We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that the HPE Curriculum refresh truly reflects the needs of our learners.

PENZ Welcomes Waka Pacific Trust as Principal Partner for the 2025 Conference

PENZConference

May 9, 2025

PENZ Welcomes Waka Pacific Trust as Principal Partner for the 2025 Conference

We are proud to announce Waka Pacific Trust as the Principal Partner for our upcoming Lead. Grow. Connect. Conference, taking place from 29 June to 1 July 2025 at Wakatipu High School in Queenstown .

PENZ

May 9, 2025

Our Newsletter - Takarangi

Our refreshed PENZ newsletter, Takarangi, symbolises the interconnected flow of ideas, movement, and knowledge within the Physical Education community. Inspired by our tohu—a triple takarangi spiral—this new name reflects our commitment to growth, connection, and the dynamic nature of PE in Aotearoa.

Backwards Mapping & Scaffolding: Building Lifelong Learners in Physical Education

PrimarySecondaryPhysical EducationProfessional DevelopmentCurriculum Support

May 9, 2025

Backwards Mapping & Scaffolding: Building Lifelong Learners in Physical Education

PENZ Kaiārahi Juliet Duder explores the powerful role of backwards mapping and scaffolding in designing effective Physical Education programmes. She emphasises the importance of starting with the end in mind - identifying the desired learning outcomes and then planning backwards to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences.

PrimaryMoveWellYears 1-8

Nov 11, 2024

MoveWell Resource Books

Discover the MoveWell Resource Book, an essential tool for primary and intermediate educators seeking to enrich their physical education programmes.

NCEA Level 1 Externals - What you should know

SecondaryNCEAYears 9-13NCEA Level 1

Aug 23, 2024

NCEA Level 1 Externals - What you should know

NCEA Level 1 ExternalsFor those offering Level 1 PE externals, by now you are likely to be in full on assessment mode. We recognise that this may be ...

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