Heemi McDonald

Kaihautū Whakahaere
Managing Director

As the Managing Director of Physical Education New Zealand (PENZ), Heemi McDonald specialises in finding innovative and sustainable ways to transform teaching and learning. Bringing a kaupapa Māori lens to learning design, he works to develop transformative partnerships and transition pathways beyond school.

Heemi is passionate about:

• Integrating health and physical education with a wide range of disciplines
• Deepening learning experiences for all learners
• Advocating for learning opportunities that draw on cultural contexts
• Enabling young people to see themselves in their learning
• Exploring the impact of quality learning design on youth development

Working closely with the Board, Heemi is leading a process to:

• Establish the best community-based membership models, structures, and services
• Set up the organisation for a sustainable future
• Ensure PENZ continues to support educators and learners in physical education

This important work requires vision, humility, creativity, and critical thinking—and we know Heemi is the right person for the job.