Kaihautū Whakahaere Update

Date: 15 Jul 2026

As we head into Term 3, I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the Phase 5 consultation. Whether you joined one of our webinars, attended a consultation session, or submitted feedback, your willingness to engage has been invaluable. The quality of the discussion across the sector has once again highlighted the professionalism, passion and expertise that exists within our community.

It was also a privilege to connect with so many of you at the Tuia ki Tawhiti Conference last week. Opportunities like these remind us of the value of coming together to share ideas, challenge our thinking and strengthen our collective practice. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to connect with the PENZ team and a huge thank you to the organising committee and partners for Tuia ki Tawhiti. I'd like to give a shout-out to NZHEA and EONZ for their ongoing partnership and commitment to making Tuia ki Tawhiti what it is. We're also grateful to Mt Albert Grammar School for hosting the Tuia ki Tawhiti Conference this year, and we are excited to be heading back to Christchurch for TKT in 2028.

With the Phase 5 consultation now complete, our attention turns to the anticipated release of the Phase 4 materials. We know many schools are beginning to look ahead to what this means for teaching and learning, and PENZ will continue to provide practical support, advocacy and opportunities to engage as the curriculum refresh progresses. We are waiting with anticipation, like many of you, to see the Phase 4 materials and to get on with preparing to 2027.

Looking a little further ahead, planning is already underway for an exciting milestone in 2027. Next year marks PENZ’s 90th anniversary, and we look forward to celebrating this alongside our 69th PENZ Conference. The PENZ Conference will be held in Wellington. We’re especially excited that the conference will once again have an international focus, creating an opportunity to welcome colleagues from around the world to celebrate our profession, share innovative practice and help shape the future of physical education together.

Thank you for your ongoing support of PENZ and the work we do together. 

I hope you’ve had the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned break over the holidays, and I wish you all the very best for Term 3.

Ngā mihi nui,

Heemi