Dr. Susannah Smith

Kaihautū
President (Chair)

Dr. Susannah Smith is the President and Board Chair of Physical Education New Zealand (PENZ). With extensive experience in physical education curriculum, child well-being, and movement pleasure, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the organisation. She is an Associate Professor and the Head of School Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. She advises on physical education curriculum at both practitioner and ministerial levels. 

Sus holds a Master's in Education, where she studied the educative value of sport; and a PhD in Health Sciences which focused on movement pleasure and well-being in secondary school physical education. Her work has earned her prestigious awards, including the International Olympic Literary Prize, First Class Honours, a UC Doctoral Scholarship, a UC Teaching Award and an award for Research in Educational Practice. She represents New Zealand in global advisory, teaching and research positions.

With her passion and dedication, she is committed to enhancing physical education and well-being for all learners across New Zealand.