Over 160 Principals and Health & Physical Education (HPE) lead teachers came together at Claudelands Events Centre in Hamilton to challenge the traditional structures of sport and physical education in the region’s primary schools and kura, and explore what a holistic approach to physical education would look like in an approach to whole school wellbeing.

In collaboration with the Waikato Principals’ Association (WPA), and with support from regional partners Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ, Ministry of Education and Sport NZ, The Value of HPE conference marked an integral day in the history of Sport Waikato and the role of the Regional Sports Trust as a partner in supporting schools and kura to deliver quality physical activity, physical education, sport and play experiences for all tamariki.

The day was opened by Sport Waikato CEO Matthew Cooper, who opened the event by highlighting the importance of HPE for tamariki..

“We know that schools are time poor and we know there are massive pressures on achievement data.  But without a well child, we will never have a learning child. We want to create systemic change in our education settings and we know we can do this through the Health and Physical Education Curriculum.”

The conference brought together speakers from around the north island, including Welby Ings (internationally renowned speaker and educational reformer), Gregor Fountain (Strategic Engagement Manager at Sport NZ) and Harko Brown (expert on traditional Maaori games and play) who delivered motivational and thought provoking koorero around the importance of physical activity, play, sport and physical education.

The day was wonderfully hosted by MC Marcus Freke, Director of Education, Waikato at the Ministry of Education.

Last year our partnership with the WPA focused on re-conceptualising HPE programmes. Moving away from traditional programmes allows schools to consider more culturally responsive and aakonga (student) centred approaches to getting our students moving. As we all know there is direct correlation between physical wellbeing and mental wellbeing.  

With the background and rationale behind a shift in gear for Sport Waikato outlined through local and national evidence, it was time to dig into some thought provoking koorero with Professor Welby Ings.  

Welby approached his keynote from a leadership lens; often we are met with heroic leaders, when the silent leaders are the ones achieving the greatest outcomes; we often see ambition beat talent on numerous occasions. Welby left us challenging our own thinking around what it means to make change, and who has the power to achieve it.

This was followed up by some keynote speakers in chosen break out sessions. The principals heard from Gregor, ex principal of Paraparaumu and Wellington Colleges. He spoke from the heart and challenged the principals around their own wellbeing as leaders of their schools, and how important this is. His message focused on going back to what is important and challenged principals to take a step back and re-evaluate what they do and why. 

“Too often the urgent drives out the important.” Gregor also discussed how physical activity and HPE can support those important factors that can sometimes be forgotten in our busy and ever changing world. We need to break down the structures that support the status quo.”