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Managing Director Update | 4th March 2025

As we move further into the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of relationships in education—not just between kaiako and ākonga, but across the entire sector. At PENZ, we know that strong, meaningful connections are at the heart of great teaching and learning. They are also fundamental to the work we do in advocating for, supporting, and strengthening Physical Education in Aotearoa.

Whether it’s through our advisory support, professional learning, or advocacy efforts, we are committed to fostering relationships that enhance the quality and impact of Physical Education. We deeply value the connections we hold with educators, researchers, policymakers, and organisations who share our vision of communities embracing their world of movement through quality physical education.

Curriculum Development – Keeping You in the Loop

The curriculum refresh is moving at pace, and we are keeping a close eye on developments in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE). PENZ has been fortunate to support this development, and we eagerly await the draft HPE Curriculum. We know that these changes will shape the future of our subject, and we are working to ensure that Physical Education remains central to young people’s learning experiences. We will continue to update you as this work progresses and advocate for a curriculum that reflects the unique needs of Aotearoa learners and educators.

Advocating for Physical Education

At PENZ, we are committed to advocating on behalf of all physical educators to ensure that Physical Education remains a valued and well-supported subject within the New Zealand curriculum. As part of this work, we have been actively engaging with the MOE and NZQA to highlight sector concerns and work towards solutions that enhance the quality and clarity of Physical Education assessment and curriculum implementation.

One of our key focus areas is the ongoing implementation of NCEA Level 1. Having met with PE teachers across the country, a consistent message has emerged: while many educators support the intent of the changes, there remain significant concerns around clarity, coherence, and practical application.

Through our advocacy, we have raised these issues with the MOE, and more specifically issues regarding:

  • The NCEA Level 1 RAMP process and the need for greater sector consultation
  • Concerns around assessment clarity, including terminology, coherence across standards, and alignment with the broader NCEA vision
  • Ensuring teachers’ voices are heard in decision-making processes

We appreciate the ongoing collaboration with the MOE and NZQA and acknowledge the work being done to refine and embed these changes. However, we strongly believe that teacher input remains critical to ensure the success of these reforms. Our goal is to ensure that refinements are practical, evidence-based, and support high-quality teaching and learning outcomes.

I would like to specifically acknowledge NZQA for their support in ensuring one of their team members can attend our PENZ Conference. Their involvement will provide valuable insights into assessment and qualification developments and will continue to support teachers on the ground.

As an organisation, we encourage all educators to share their experiences with us so we can continue to advocate effectively on your behalf. If you have feedback or concerns regarding curriculum or assessment developments, or anything relating to quality PE, please get in touch—your voice matters, and PENZ is here to represent you. https://www.penz.org.nz/contact

PENZ Conference 2025 – Lead, Grow, Connect

As excited as we are to be having Conference in Queenstown this year, it wouldn’t be a conference without you! There’s no conference like a PENZ Conference. IYKYK.

So, if you haven’t already, register for Conference and get in before Early-Bird Registrations close at 5:00 PM, Friday, 13 April 2025.

AND don’t forget to get your dress-up sorted and get ready for an awesome night at our Ice, Ice, Baby Conference Event, hosted at the iconic AJ Hackett Bungy site in Queenstown! AJ Hackett Bungy are offering attendees a chance to experience the thrill of bungy jumping (at a discounted rate) in a fun, themed atmosphere. Whether you’re taking the plunge or cheering on your colleagues, it’s gearing up to be an unforgettable event.

For more information and to register for Conference go tohttps://www.penz.org.nz/conference.

PENZ Awards 2025 – Reminder: Nominations Closing Soon!

We want to acknowledge those awesome people out there doing the mahi in PE. There are a few awards up for grabs and there’s something for every part of the PE world. Nominations for the PENZ Awards 2025 are closing on 13 April 2025. It doesn’t cost anything to nominate, and it builds mana knowing your colleagues think you’re doing an awesome job. For more details and to submit nominations, head to https://www.penz.org.nz/awards.

Finally, I want to thank the PENZ team. Some of you may not realise that we are a small team trying to achieve big things. Between the 4 of us, we are doing everything we can to support the PE community, and we are grateful for your continued support. Claire (our Business Manager), Marisa (our Primary/Intermediate Advisor) and Juliet (our Secondary Advisor) are outstanding humans with a desire to help as many teachers, and kids as they can. In particular, our PE Advisors LOVE to get out to schools and organistions! It’s one of their favourite things to do.

If you’re a member or in a member organisation, their time is free. This means they can jump online for a staff meeting, one-to-one call or exchange emails. They’re keen to mentor and support where they can. If you want them to come to you in person, it only requires the cost of travel and/or accommodation to be covered. Our advisors are here to help. If you’re not a member, they’ll work something out with you so, if you need help, have an idea, or just want to talk about PE, get in touch!

Ngā mihi nui for all that you do in your schools and communities. We look forward to continuing to work alongside you in strengthening the role of Physical Education in Aotearoa.

Ngā mihi,

Heemi McDonald

Kaihautū Whakahaere

and te kapa o Te Ao Kori Aotearoa | the team at Physical Education New Zealand.

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