08/11/2025
As the professional subject association representing physical education in Aotearoa New Zealand, we affirm our strong opposition to the proposed removal of the requirement for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the education system. 
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻:
• The inclusion of Te Tiriti within our education legislative framework affirms that Māori learners’ language, culture, identity and ways of knowing (mātauranga Māori) are visible, valued and integral to learning across the curriculum. 
• Removing this explicit obligation risks undermining the kaupapa of physical education: the opportunity for every young person to move, learn and succeed in a way that reflects who they are, their whakapapa and the place they live.
• In physical education we know that culturally responsive practice, bicultural frameworks and inclusive pedagogy enhance wellbeing, engagement and educational outcomes for all ākonga.
• In a time when our sector already grapples with equity gaps, health and wellbeing challenges, and the urgent need for meaningful inclusion, the move to weaken structural commitment to Te Tiriti sends a worrying signal about the direction of our education system.
𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁:
PENZ remains committed to collaborating with schools, kura, kaiako, iwi and tertiary partners to ensure physical education in Aotearoa continues to reflect and enact our bicultural heritage. We stand for upholding the mana of Te Tiriti, te reo Māori, tikanga, learner wellbeing and movement-rich learning environments. We will lend our voice, our expertise and our energy to upholding the place of Te Tiriti in education and to fostering inclusive, culturally responsive physical education for our tamariki and rangatahi.
Kia kaha, kia tina!
