ReportEONZ research brief
What you told us and how we responded: Health and Physical Education consultation response
From 786 submissions, the Ministry says it broadened Outdoor Education in the final HPE curriculum beyond a narrow safety focus.
What's new
The response report gives the public evidence trail behind the final HPE curriculum. From 786 submissions, the Ministry heard that Outdoor Education was underdeveloped, too narrowly framed around safety and insufficiently connected with the wider learning area. It says the final content was broadened to include environmental responsibility, challenge, teamwork, decision-making, personal growth and connection with people and place. Links with hauora, wellbeing and participation were strengthened, as was progression towards independent outdoor participation. The Ministry also confirms that EONZ participated in the curriculum working group.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
The report gives language for explaining why Outdoor Education covers more than risk management. It also gives a basis for checking whether the Ministry's stated response is reflected in the final curriculum and its support resources.
Putting it into practice
Compare the Outdoor Education statements in the final curriculum with the changes the Ministry says it made.
How strong is the evidence
Official Ministry summary of consultation feedback and its own response, so it reflects the Ministry's account of what it changed. Published September 2026 and posted online 24 September.
What to read
The eight-page response report in full