Submission on the Phase 5 Physical Education Curriculum

Recreation Aotearoa is the leading professional body supporting New Zealand’s recreation sector, advocating for quality experiences that keep people active, healthy, and connected. Its members include those who plan, deliver, and manage community sport, recreation, and outdoor programmes across the country.

Overview of general comments

Recreation Aotearoa has submitted on the Phase 5 (Years 11–13) Physical Education curriculum, continuing our commitment to Te Whai Oranga – the pursuit of wellbeing. Our response addresses critical gaps to ensure the curriculum is safe, realistic, and inclusive for all rangatahi.
Key highlights include:
• Restoring the OE Pathway: Calling for a dedicated Year 11 Outdoor Education subject to fix a "broken pathway" currently affecting 3,000 students.
• Defining Boundaries: Distinguishing between general PE and specialist outdoor safety knowledge to ensure student wellbeing and professional clarity.
• Resourcing: Highlighting the risk of "unfunded mandates" for schools lacking the transport or equipment required for safe outdoor delivery.
• Including "Recreation": Formally naming recreation alongside sport to promote lifelong physical literacy and inclusive movement

Read our submission

For more detail, please read:

Submission on the Phase 5 Physical Education Curriculum

Questions or feedback

If you have any questions, or want to share your views, contact our Advocacy Manager, Sam Newton by email: sam@nzrecreation.org.nz