The HPE Curriculum Refresh

This page tracks how the refresh of the Health and Physical Education curriculum has been progressing, with a clear focus on the physical education components, and brings together the materials, analysis, and sector voices PENZ has gathered along the way.

Where things stand

Phase 5 · Years 11–13 Senior Physical Education

The Ministry of Education released the proposed Years 11–13 PE curriculum content in the second tranche of Phase 5 materials. Consultation closed on 8 July 2026, with implementation planned for 2028.

Phases 1–4 · Years 1–10 Draft HPE Curriculum

The draft curriculum for Years 1–10 has been through consultation. PENZ made a formal submission and developed a sector-informed Alternative to the Draft as our contribution to the process. The Ministry of Education has announced that the updated material will be released by the 9 September 2026.

Years 11–13: the Phase 5 materials

The Phase 5 release was an important opportunity for kaiako, leaders, academics, and sector partners to engage with the direction of senior Physical Education ahead of implementation in 2028. PENZ supported members through this consultation with a webinar series unpacking the proposed curriculum, discussing key changes, and providing space for kōrero.

Phase 5 curriculum materials The proposed Years 11–13 Physical Education content on the Ministry's Tāhūrangi site Ministry feedback form (Phase 5) The consultation survey used for Phase 5 feedback (consultation closed 8 July 2026) Unpacking Phase 5: webinar slides The material used in the PENZ webinar series on the Phase 5 materials Phase 5 knowledge progression A spreadsheet mapping all Years 11–13 knowledge statements side by side, showing how the draft curriculum progresses

Watch: unpacking the Phase 5 materials

Years 1–10: the draft curriculum and the PENZ Alternative

At PENZ, we're committed to walking alongside our health and physical education whānau as the draft New Zealand HPE curriculum is reviewed and discussed. As our contribution to the consultation, we developed an Alternative to the Draft Curriculum for physical education, and ran a workshop and webinar unpacking what the draft means for PE in Years 1–10: interpreting the key messages, identifying implications for teaching and learning, and planning meaningful actions.

The draft HPE curriculum The Ministry's draft Health and Physical Education curriculum on Tāhūrangi The PENZ Alternative to the Draft Read about our sector-informed alternative for the PE curriculum Alternative to the Draft: full publication The complete PENZ Alternative document Unpacking the draft PE curriculum: webinar slides The presentation from the Networking for Knowledge curriculum workshop and webinar Ministry feedback form (draft HPE curriculum) The consultation survey for the Years 1–10 draft

Watch: unpacking the draft PE curriculum

Voices from the sector

Want to know what other teachers and educators are thinking? Read their feedback below, and share your perspective with us too. Help shape a better curriculum for everyone.

5 May 2026 PENZ Draft Curriculum Submission Our formal submission in response to the Draft Physical Education Curriculum, highlighting key concerns and proposing a sector-informed way forward. 8 Apr 2026 Rangatahi Rōpū: formal feedback on the draft The PENZ Rangatahi Leadership Group, representing emerging professionals across HPE, provides its formal feedback. 8 Dec 2025 A primary take on the 2025 draft A primary teacher raises concerns about narrowed PE pathways, weakened integration, limited te ao Māori guidance, and the risk of leaving some ākonga behind. 25 Nov 2025 The draft misses the point, and the future Dr Dillon Landi discusses hauora and real-world movement. 17 Nov 2025 Kāore i te tau: this is not balance EOTC and HPE lead Thomas Hobbs discusses why the draft HPE curriculum is unbalanced. 14 Nov 2025 Deep concerns over the draft HPE curriculum Experts warn the draft curriculum undermines quality, evidence-based HPE.

PENZ advocacy

At PENZ, we don't just talk about supporting teachers, we take action. We're making sure your voice is heard and your needs are considered as the HPE curriculum develops.

Timeline of the draft HPE curriculum The key events, communications, and decisions that have shaped the development of the draft as it relates to physical education Help shape an alternative HPE draft curriculum Get involved in the mahi behind the PENZ Alternative

Join the PENZ community to keep up to date

Things are moving fast. Join our PENZ community for exclusive practical advice and support from our HPE curriculum advisers, resources to help you plan, discounts on our PLD events, and connections to passionate HPE educators across Aotearoa New Zealand. Your membership also strengthens our collective voice, so we can advocate more powerfully for teachers and students alike.

Become a PENZ member