PENZ turns 90 in 2027 – and a thank you from your Board

Date: 21 Sep 2026

It continues to be a significant period of change for Health and Physical Education in Aotearoa. As we move through it, the PENZ Board wants to acknowledge the people carrying the mahi, and share something exciting on the horizon.

Thank you, Heemi and Susie

The Board would like to acknowledge the incredible mahi of our Chief Executive, Heemi, and our President, Susie, particularly in relation to the recent curriculum work. The advocacy, conversations, reading, writing, meetings and countless hours behind the scenes have been immense. None of us will probably ever fully appreciate the time, energy and care they have given to this work.

Heemi and Susie continue to ensure that the voice of our profession is heard and that quality Physical Education remains firmly part of the conversation. On behalf of the Board and our membership, thank you both for your commitment, leadership and tireless mahi.

To our members

We also want to acknowledge you. We know many of you are working in challenging environments, navigating curriculum change, shifting expectations and the realities of teaching and leading in schools. Change can bring uncertainty, additional workload and plenty of questions.

Please know that your PENZ Board is working alongside Heemi and Susie behind the scenes, with the interests of our members, our profession, and ultimately our tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of our conversations and decisions. We remain committed to supporting, advocating for and connecting our Physical Education community as we navigate this next chapter together.

PENZ turns 90 in 2027!

That's 90 years of PENZ supporting, connecting and championing Physical Education in Aotearoa – and we think that deserves a celebration.

We can't wait to welcome everyone to Wellington for the 2027 PENZ Conference, where we'll celebrate where we've come from, where we're heading, and the incredible people who make up our profession.

And because you only turn 90 once…

Think 90s. Think lip sync. Think celebration.

We're not giving too much away just yet, but trust us – you're going to want to be there. More details will be shared soon, so keep an eye on our socials for more. 

Ngā mihi nui,

The PENZ Board