Kaihautū Whakahaere Update: August 2025

I can only imagine that, with the most recent announcement regarding NCEA, staffrooms and department offices across the country will be a buzz with opinions and discussions about the implications of such a significant piece. While PENZ continues to advocate for meaningful physical education as part of the learning for every child, it is important to recognise that significant changes are being made to the way we view our subject and how it might be delivered in schools.

We have a curriculum refresh underway that has yet to produce a draft for the sector leaving a number of questions unanswered about the future direction of our subject. Add to the mix an overhaul of the national assessment and we are entering a new era of increasing uncertainty and change, having not exited the current one.

As an association, we are maintaining a close connection with the curriculum work as it develops and are pushing for clarity, a continued focus on the international reputation of NZ physical education and recognition of the significant body of disciplinary knowledge contained within our subject. While we eagerly await the release of a draft curriculum, we acknowledge that sometimes we need additional information in order to fully assess the state of play. As such, we recently submitted an Official Information Act request to the Ministry of Education in an effort to seek further understanding about the development, drafting and contributions to the refreshed curriculum. We are waiting for a response, but will share any relevant information with you as it becomes available.

Physical education plays an important part in the lives and learning of all young people in Aotearoa. We encourage you to continue to focus on learning in, through and about movement. The critical part being the learning. A distinguishing factor for PE is that we have a clear focus on learning or the ‘E’ for education. Your work in this space is important and valued.

For those in Primary and Intermediate schools, we recognise that a focus on reading, writing and maths will be commandeering a lot of your time and resources. These things are important and need to be balanced with opportunities for our children to learn through PE. We are working to provide additional resources and support to help with the integration of PE experiences across a range of learning areas, starting with the English and Maths curriculums. We look forward to sharing these with you soon.

For those in Secondary schools, grappling with current changes to NCEA and thinking about the future can use up a lot of bandwidth. We are here to help and happy to support. My only advice would be to stay the course and not make any major changes until we are clear on what is being asked and what is coming next.

Finally, get involved.

While different narratives swirl about intentions and intended outcomes, it is important to remember that every voice matters. The proposal to replace NCEA is not just a Secondary school issue. It’s something that everyone should be thinking about. If we are to continue to try and serve and support every child in our community, we need to be thinking about the whole learning experience. You don’t need expertise in NCEA to consider whether our system is equitable, inclusive or representative of our shared experiences.

To have your say on the proposed changes head to > https://www.education.govt.nz/have-your-say/consultation-proposal-replace-ncea/details

We appreciate all you do and love seeing you as we get to your regions. If you need any support or help, please reach out.

Ngā mihi,
Heemi