Teachers, Leaders and Advocates Gather in Queenstown for National PE Conference
More than 200 teachers, school leaders and physical education advocates from across the country gathered in Queenstown for the PENZ 2025 National Conference, held at Wakatipu High School.
Set against the majestic backdrop of the Southern Alps, the annual event brought together some of Aotearoa’s most passionate educators to explore the theme Lead, Grow, Connect; with a strong focus on innovation, wellbeing, leadership, and bicultural practice in the PE space.
This year’s programme featured over 30 workshops, alongside inspiring keynotes from Mai Chen, barrister and Chair of the Superdiversity Institute, and renowned youth development coach Craig Harrison, who both challenged attendees to think critically about the role of connection, challenge and culture in education. Chen opened the conference with a deeply personal keynote tracing her family’s Olympic and coaching legacy, encouraging educators to reflect on identity and leadership in a diverse New Zealand. Harrison delivered a series of thought-provoking sessions on storytelling, student engagement and human development through sport.
Celebrating Excellence in the Sector
The conference also hosted the 2025 PENZ Awards, honouring excellence across the Health and Physical Education sector. This year’s awardees were:
The Future Physeder Award (Te Whetū Hou): Alyssa Carr
The Rising Star Award (Te Aranga o Puanga): Deane Reynolds
The Rising Star Award (Te Aranga o Puanga): Michael Hough
Outstanding Physical Educator Award (Te Takurua): Brendan Austin
Outstanding Physical Educator Award (Te Takurua): Olivia Robinson
The Excellence in Physical Education Award (Te Ika O Te Raki): St Teresa’s School
Te Iho-Takaroa Ringawera: Darryl Crawford
Excellence through Te Ao Māori (Tāne Pepeke): Jacob Kelly
Community Champion: Nikki Johnson
Long-Service: Graham Lowe
Long-Service: Edith Miller
Fellow of PENZ: Kylie Thompson
Fellow of PENZ: Susannah Smith
“These award winners reflect the strength and diversity of leadership we’re seeing across the country,” said PENZ CEO, Heemi McDonald. “They are role models for how physical education can empower young people to lead active, connected and purposeful lives.”
A Sector in Motion
This year’s workshop strands ranged from Outdoor Education, Curriculum & Assessment, and Bicultural Practice, to AI in PE, Youth Leadership, and Neurodiverse Inclusion; offering something for every level of educator.
Practical sessions gave delegates a chance to test emerging sports like Speedminton, YOU.FO, Pickleball, and Kin-Ball, while classroom-focused sessions tackled NCEA delivery, scaffolding, and culturally responsive approaches.
Looking Ahead
The PENZ Conference is hosted in a different region each year to ensure accessibility and regional engagement. Planning is already underway for 2026, with a new location to be announced later this year.
For media enquiries or further information, contact:
Joanna Jones
