Sport NZ outlines what the finalised HPE curriculum could mean for schools

The finalised Health and Physical Education (HPE) curriculum for Years 0 to 10 gives schools and kura a chance to build more movement into daily learning.

Sport NZ says movement can support wellbeing, attendance and achievement. It adds that movement can help young people build skills, confidence and positive experiences that last a lifetime.

Many schools and kura already see the benefit of this. “When ākonga have positive opportunities to move, they are more engaged, connected and ready to learn,” said Sport NZ.

What stands out

Sport NZ points to three features of the finalised curriculum. The first is a focus on enjoyment, confidence and movement skills, with physical activity and movement at the front. Positive experiences can help ākonga find activities they enjoy and feel confident joining in, the organisation says.

The second is that wellbeing sits at the centre of learning. The curriculum recognises the close link between physical activity, wellbeing and learning, according to Sport NZ. Movement can contribute to physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.

The third is that learning reflects local people and places. Schools and kura can link learning through movement with their communities, local environments, cultures and the aspirations of ākonga and whānau. Sport NZ says this can make HPE more relevant and engaging for young people.

What happens next

Over the coming months, Sport NZ plans to work with schools, kura and partners on three areas. One is helping school leaders see how quality physical activity can contribute to goals for ākonga wellbeing, engagement, attendance and achievement.

Another is supporting kaiako to include movement across learning areas, so physical activity becomes a natural part of everyday teaching. The third is growing confidence and capability to deliver quality HPE that responds to the strengths and needs of all ākonga.

Starting points for schools and kura

Sport NZ suggests schools and kura review the HPE curriculum and ask themselves some questions. What feels familiar? What is the biggest change for the school’s HPE programme? What would the school most like support with, and what are teachers most looking forward to teaching?

It also suggests starting a conversation among leaders and kaiako about the role of physical activity and movement in supporting ākonga wellbeing, engagement, attendance and achievement.

Schools and kura can look at the Active Bodies, Active Minds report from 2025 and consider how it relates to what they see. The report brings together national and international research. It says that integrating physical activity into classroom time can increase students’ time on task by up to 20%.

The At a glance: Active schools and kura resources for primary and secondary schools can help leaders identify practical opportunities. For the Year 9 and 10 PE curriculum changes, schools can attend a PENZ’s Big Day Out event in their region.