10-11 November 2026
Due Drop, Auckland

THE KURA CONFERENCE

National curriculum changes are here.
Is your school up to speed?

From policy to pedagogy. We build the bridge.

New Zealand’s education landscape is shifting beneath our feet. Between navigating massive curriculum updates, managing staff wellbeing, and grappling with the rapid rise of AI in our classrooms, school leaders and educators are being asked to redesign learning in real-time.

The Kura Conference is where we move past the theory and offer proven approaches and examples to help shape solutions that fit your context. This is a multi-streamed, high-impact summit designed to give you the strategic tools, technological literacy, and leadership resilience required to guide your kura into the future.

Two Days. Three Streams.
One Definitive Event for Aotearoa’s Educators.

The Engine

Curriculum, pedagogy & change

We strip back the noise surrounding the national curriculum changes. From deep dives into Primary and Secondary shifts to the mechanics of change management, this stream provides the blueprint for implementing pedagogical shifts without losing your school’s unique identity.

The Frontier

Innovating the future of learning

Innovation is a core requirement for the modern classroom. We explore the ethical frontier of AI, practical use cases to reduce teacher workload, and how to build an innovation-ready culture. By championing integrated learning for purpose-led, real-world connections, this stream gives you the tools to prepare our ākonga for a future workforce that hasn’t been built yet.

The Heart

Leading for Impact

This stream explores the people challenges and opportunities facing today’s school leaders – from managing complaints, navigating difficult community dynamics, and tackling complex HR issues, to leading meaningful change within your kura. Learn from the experiences of other leaders and gain the latest insights into sustainable leadership practices that enable both people and schools to flourish.

8:30	Mihi Whakatau
8:45	Welcome from the Chair
9:00	Leading in an Era of Transformation: Shaping the Future of Education Reflect on the role of leadership in shaping culture, building trust, and maintaining a strong sense of direction through uncertainty Gain perspectives on what future-ready leadership looks like and how to position your kura to thrive in a rapidly evolving educational landscape
9:45	Learning Beyond the Algorithm: Preparing Humans for a Future We Can't Yet See Explore the human capabilities that will matter most in an AI-enabled world, including curiosity, judgement, creativity and relationships Discover how education can prepare learners for the future of work and leading intelligence through non-lineal learning Learn how to create digitally enabled futures that are culturally grounded, intergenerational, and protect the aspirations of Māori learners Challenge the rush to adopt new technology and explore how thoughtful, values-led innovation can deliver better outcomes for learners and communities Elle Archer, Systems Strategist and Futurist
10:30	Morning Tea
	The Engine Curriculum, pedagogy and change	The Frontier Innovating for the future of learning	The Heart Leading for impact
11:00	Welcome from the Chair	Welcome from the Chair	Welcome from the Chair Stephen Evans, Principal, Te Whānau ŌtūMatua
11:00	The Primary Curriculum Practical walkthrough of curriculum expectations (Te Marautanga o Aotearoa and Te Mātaiaho) Insights in to significant shifts after consultation Updates and insights into the next 3 years of curriculum roll out Considerations in ensuring cuturally responsive implementation of the curriculum Support resources available and professional learning opportunities	PANEL - What should school look like in 2035? Futures focused panel with educators, students & industry What is the future of work and how do we prepare students for it? Personalised learning, immersive technologies, credentialling & micro-credentialling etc	PANEL - Holding the centre: Leading through change and adapting with purpose How to sustain self and staff wellbeing and maintaining momentum through significant reform Reframing change to find opportunity to reconnect with your school community Preparing your students for change
11:45	Case studies - How schools are redesigning curriculum through local contexts SCHOOL 1 Outlining approach to local curriculum design How this kura designed their implementation plan, prioritised steps and lead change throughout the community Deepening how te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, and local curriculum contexts are authentically embedded in everyday teaching Table discussions and Q&A Bryan Rehutai, Tumuaki, Te Uru Karaka Newton Central School	Reimagining learning for the AI era Establishing safe, ethical and effective AI use in NZ schools Building literacy across your community of teachers, students and whānau Leveraging AI to enhance indigenous education and safeguard data sovereignty Brendon Shaw, Educator, Papatoetoe North School, PHD student, University of Waikato	Transforming Schools Through Connection, Belonging and Wellbeing Lessons from leading an award-winning whole-school transformation grounded in relationships, belonging, and equity Why wellbeing, cultural connection, and emotional safety are the foundations for engagement, achievement, and lasting change Using relational neuroscience and te ao Māori to create school cultures where learners, staff, and whānau thrive
12:30	Lunch
1:30	Case Studies SCHOOL 2 Outlining approach to local curriculum design How this kura designed their implementation plan, prioritised steps and lead change throughout the community Exploring approaches to teaching in multi-level classrooms Table discussions and Q&A	Innovation station: Transforming learning through technology Hear directly from schools using technologies like 3D printing, coding, robotics and digital design to enrich teaching and learning Discover practical examples of how technology is building creativity, problem-solving and real-world learning across the curriculum Learn what worked, the challenges encountered, and practical advice for introducing innovative technologies in your own school	Leading with confidence: managing complaints, investigations and community challenges Vexatious complaints, OIA requests and Ombudsman complaints Ensuring strong frameworks to deal with increase in challenges Responsibilities of the principal and board to ensure fair & reasonable investigation What it looks like to be under investigation Gretchen Stone, Partner, Harrison Stone
2:15	PANEL - Assessment and Reporting in Practice: Practical Insights from Schools Navigating New Requirements How schools are approaching assessment and reporting Experience with the SMART tool so far and comparisons with other tools Practical examples of how different schools are navigating challenges related to new requirements including communicating with whanau, multi-levelling and ESL	Tech Showcase: Experience Innovation in Action Explore hands-on demonstrations of emerging technologies transforming teaching and learning Try practical tools including AI, robotics, coding, 3D printing and immersive technologies Connect with educators and technology experts to discover ideas you can take back to your school	Employment matters in schools: Navigating disputes, risk and complex cases Explore key principles of managing staff employment issues, disputes and performance concerns within a school context Examine case law examples that highlight different legal pathways, decision points and potential outcomes for employers Work through real-world complex scenarios to understand how similar situations can escalate and how to respond effectively and fairly Fi McMillan, Special Counsel, Anderson Lloyd
3:00	Afternoon tea
3:30	Workshop - Curriculum planning and assessment design aligned to the refreshed curriculum Collaborate with peers to explore practical approaches to curriculum planning and assessment design aligned with the refreshed curriculum Engage in focused discussion tables covering Mathematics, Literacy, Science & Technology, Te Marautanga o Aotearoa and assessment practice Leave with ideas, resources and strategies that can be adapted to your school's context and learner needs	Reducing Workload with AI: Real-World Strategies That Save Time Practical use case of using AI to complete administrative tasks, giving teachers more time to spend with students AI as a tool to enhance teacher capability (not a replacement) Lesson planning, checking data, how to train AI to adapt to your style, prompts	From Overseas to Aotearoa: Supporting International Teachers to Thrive Helping international teachers navigate the culture, values, and expectations of New Zealand kura Effective induction and mentoring strategies that build confidence and belonging Lessons learned from successfully recruiting, retaining, and supporting international teaching staff
4:30	Leading with purpose: Driving curriculum and pedagogical change Implementing effective curriculum and pedagogical change while maintaining school values and strategic priorities Preparing and empowering teams to lead and sustain change across the whole school Incorporating authentic student voice and assessing learner needs to inform decision-making Providing adequate, equitable support for kaiako, ākonga, and their whānau while prioritising change for impact	Rethinking School: Innovation Beyond the Expected Hear a case study from a school that has challenged traditional approaches to better meet the needs of its learners and community Explore the thinking, leadership decisions and cultural shifts that enabled meaningful innovation Gain practical ideas and inspiration to adapt bold, learner-centred approaches within your own context	Leading for inclusion: Navigating behaviour in the classroom Building understanding of different behaviours and its impact on learning, wellbeing, and performance Creating inclusive environments with what you have in the classroom Practical strategies to support the different needs of your akonga
5:00	Networking Drinks

8:45	Welcome from the Chair
9:00	The Future Starts With Us: A Young Changemaker’s Perspective Hear firsthand how one young leader has turned ideas into action, creating positive change in their school, community, and beyond Gain insight into what matters most to young people today, from caring for people and strengthening communities to protecting the planet Be inspired by a powerful call to action on how educators and leaders can empower the next generation to find their voice and drive meaningful change
	The Engine New Zealand Curiculum \| Te Mātaiaho, assessment and reporting	The Frontier Innovating for the future of learning	The Heart Leading for impact
9:50	The Secondary Curriculum Practical walkthrough of curriculm expectations Insights in to significant shifts after consultation Considerations in ensuring culturally responsive implementation of the curriculum Support resources available and professional learning opportunities	Connecting culture and innovation: Empowering Māori and Pasifika learners through STEAM Using coding and digital storytelling to bring Indigenous and Pacific narratives to life through STEAM learning Evidence of how culturally responsive STEAM experiences can increase engagement, confidence, and interest in STEAM subjects Practical lessons for educators on integrating Indigenous knowledge, creativity, and technology to inspire future STEAM pathways	PANEL - Stepping Up: Preparing for principalship Developing leadership capability and succession pathways within your school Practical steps aspiring principals can take now to prepare for the next stage Lessons on sustainable leadership, resilience, and avoiding burnout in the early years
10:30	Morning Tea
11:00	Case studies - How schools are redesigning curriculum through local contexts SCHOOL 1 Local curriculum design Implementation plans, prioritisation and leading change Time table design to reflect new curriculum requirements Looking after the current Y10s as the last cohort to go through NCEA Deepening how te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, and local curriculum contexts are authentically embedded in everyday teaching Table discussions and Q&A	Whanaungatanga in Action: Building Stronger Community Connections Learn how a student-led podcast became a powerful platform for sharing stories, amplifying voices, and deepening connections across the school community The importance of building meaningful partnerships with whānau and community groups to support student success Develop authentic and enduring relationships with local iwi that enrich learning and strengthen cultural understanding Explore practical ways to embed Te Tiriti o Waitangi and celebrate the diverse cultures represented within your kura Dan George, Tumuaki, Victory Primary School	Health & Safety in Schools: Legal Responsibilities, Case Studies and Leadership Accountability Understand the legal duties of boards and principals in maintaining safe environments for staff, students and visitors Analyse real case studies where health and safety failures have occurred and examine what went wrong and why Clarify decision-making responsibilities when incidents occur, including investigation processes and reporting obligations
11:45	SCHOOL 2 Local curriculum design Implementation plans, prioritisation and leading change Time table design to reflect new curriculum requirements Deepening how te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, and local curriculum contexts are authentically embedded in everyday teaching	Case study 1 - STEAM in Action: A School's Journey to Real-World Learning Explore how one school has embedded STEAM across its curriculum to create authentic, engaging and future-focused learning experiences Learn about the structures, partnerships and teaching approaches that support interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning Gain practical insights into the challenges, successes and lessons learned, with ideas you can adapt to your own school context	AI in School Leadership: Practical Tools to Support Decision-Making and School Improvement Explore how AI can support leadership teams with workload, planning, communication and decision-making Hear practical examples from kura on how AI is being used in day-to-day school leadership Consider opportunities, risks and ethics while keeping students at the centre of decision-making
12:30	Lunch
1:30	Table discussions - Preparing for Y11 in 2028 Facilitated table discussions with schools facing similar opportunities and challenges Opportunity to share ideas with your peers and plans for Y11 in 2028 Early thinking around time table design, removal of exams and preparing the first cohort	Case study 2 - STEAM in Action: A School's Journey to Real-World Learning Explore how one school has embedded STEAM across its curriculum to create authentic, engaging and future-focused learning experiences Learn about the structures, partnerships and teaching approaches that support interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning Gain practical insights into the challenges, successes and lessons learned, with ideas you can adapt to your own school context	Sustainable Leadership: Staying Effective Without Burning Out Understand the psychology of stress and how it impacts decision-making, energy and leadership capacity Explore practical strategies to build resilience and sustain performance in demanding school environments Identify habits, systems and supports that enable long-term, healthy and effective leadership
2:30	Process and design: The new qualifications and assessment Understanding the current design process for the NZ Certificate of Education and the NZ Advanced Certificate of Education Insights from consultation and opportunities to be involved	Creating a Culture of Innovation: Leading Change That Lasts Build the leadership mindset and practices that encourage innovation and continuous improvement Create the conditions for collaboration, experimentation, and purposeful change Sustain momentum by building staff ownership and embedding innovation into school culture	Governance in Action: Navigating Board Stability and Leadership Challenges Explore an anonymised case study of a school experiencing significant governance and leadership tension impacting direction and stability Examine the legal, relational and procedural considerations involved when board and leadership roles come under pressure Discuss practical approaches to restoring stability, maintaining student focus, and ensuring fair, transparent decision-making
2:30	Summary remarks from the Chair	Summary remarks from the Chair	Summary remarks from the Chair Stephen Evans, Principal, Te Whānau ŌtūMatua
3:30	Conference end

Speakers

More to be confirmed

Nan Walden

Te Ahuaha Hangarau Kaiako - Creative Technology Teacher

Wellington East Girls' College

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Whaea Nan Walden-Moeung is a Technology and Te Ao Māori educator, designer, and emerging researcher based in Wellington, New Zealand. She is the recipient of the 2026 New Zealand Prime Minister’s Science Teacher Prize and a 2026 World of WearableArt (WOW) finalist. Nan is currently undertaking a PhD at Massey University, researching the integration of circular design, advanced materials, robotics, and additive manufacturing into creative education. Passionate about authentic, culturally responsive learning, she develops innovative programmes that connect design, sustainability, mātauranga Māori, and industry partnerships, empowering students to become creative, future-focused problem solvers.

Elle Archer

Systems strategist and Futurist

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Elle Archer is a systems architect, futurist and intergenerational architect working at the convergence of iwi development, technology, infrastructure, governance and economic transformation. Her kaupapa is simple yet ambitious: Tāku take, he whakakotahi – to unify. Across iwi, sectors, disciplines and generations. With 30 years spanning science, technology, education, infrastructure, economic development and emergency management, Elle now operates primarily at governance and systems design level – aligning data, digital excellence, workforce futures and infrastructure into cohesive, future-ready ecosystems. She is driven by a commitment to move communities from digital equity to digital excellence and ultimately to sovereignty, ensuring that mokopuna inherit opportunity, capability and a world wiser than the one we were given. Elle serves across multiple national boards and executive roles and is known for her ability to bridge strategy and implementation, integrating foresight with practical action. Her philosophy is simple: WE shapes Me.

Stephen Evans

Principal

Te Whānau o Ōtūmatua

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Kia ora my name is Stephen. I am a primary trained teacher who has had 16 years of Principalship experience. I have mostly worked with neuro diverse learners and with young people who have dynamic behaviour needs.

I am passionate about supporting culturally, creative teams and developing learning environments, especially outdoors. I value creativity, music, authenticity, autonomy and student led purposeful learning experiences.

I am most passionate about stories. I look forward to hearing about you and sharing some stories, to help you identify what you wish to create for the children and teams you will be supporting in the future.

Bryan Rehutai

Principal

Te Uru Karaka Newton Central School

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Bryan Rehutai is the Tumuaki (Principal) of Te Uru Karaka Newton Central School (Ngāti Porou, Tahiti), and a school leader committed to culturally responsive practice and equity. Our kura is proudly Te Tiriti o Waitangi based; we were the first in New Zealand to establish a formal co-governance structure. This experience has given him unique, practical insights into embedding Te Tiriti principles at the governance and operations level. In his presentation Bryan will guide you through practical approaches for building cultural capability and ensuring equitable outcomes for learners. He will share vital insights on working with your school board and maintaining an unwavering commitment to Te Tiriti-based practice in your kura’s leadership and operation, helping you navigate the complexities of recent government announcements. This is essential 101 learning for leading culturally diverse and inclusive schools in Aotearoa.

Fi McMillan

Special Counsel

Anderson Lloyd

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Fi is Special Counsel at Anderson Lloyd, specialising in employment and education law. Her career started in the education sector, including teaching at primary schools in Otago and the United Kingdom, and completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Child Advocacy before moving into law. Her teaching experience means she can provide practical advice to education sector clients.Fi is the legal advisor to the New Zealand Principals’ “Principals Advice and Support Scheme,” working with school principals across New Zealand.

Gretchen Stone

Partner

Harrison Stone

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Gretchen Stone is a highly experienced employment and education lawyer. She advises secondary principals through the Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand and is the Honorary Solicitor for Auckland Primary Principals’ Association. Gretchen has extensive experience advising Principals and Boards in all areas of law within the education sector including student discipline, health and safety, teacher competence and discipline, governance, OIA and privacy requests, and parent complaints.

Kura Conference Advisory Panel

Our Advisory Panel brings together some of New Zealand’s most respected education leaders, with expertise spanning school leadership, curriculum design, technology education, learning support, and system-wide change.

Their collective experience has helped shape a programme that reflects the challenges, opportunities, and priorities facing schools today

Julie Schumacher

Educational Research and Development Consultant
| Director

The Education Group

Vaughan Couillault

Programme Lead – Engagement (Curriculum and Assessment Change Program)

Papatoetoe High School

Sarah Washbrooke

Deputy Chair

TENZ

Billie-Jean Potaka Ayton

Principal

Kaiti School

Catherine Law

Principal

Avonside Girls’ High School

Why your school will value this investment:

The Kura Conference is designed for maximum institutional impact, tailored specifically for Primary & Secondary School Leaders, HODs, Lead Teachers, and Educational Innovators.

Because this is a multi-streamed event covering curriculum, tech, and wellbeing simultaneously, the most effective strategy is to send a leadership cohort to divide and conquer the program. By customising your team’s experience and swapping between streams, your school will walk away with a comprehensive return on investment:

Actionable Curriculum Blueprints:

Your curriculum leads and HODs will gain ready-to-implement frameworks for the refreshed national curriculum, moving seamlessly from policy to classroom practice.

Workload Reduction through Tech:

Your educational innovators will discover verified AI and tech use cases specifically vetted to give teachers time back and streamline administration.

Strategic Alignment & Value Protection:

Your senior leadership team will acquire the change-management tools needed to align incoming national priorities with your school’s unique local values.

Staff Resilience & Wellbeing:

Your leadership cohort will bring back practical, systemic strategies to combat teacher burnout, navigate complex student behaviours, and support neurodivergence.

National Networking:

Your staff will connect and collaborate with primary and secondary peers from across Aotearoa who are successfully navigating the exact same transitions.

Tickets Opening Soon — Register Your Interest

We are currently finalising our ticketing tiers, including exclusive early-bird rates and team package discounts. Register your interest below.

This event is ideal for:

Executives and leaders: Those responsible for driving strategic change and organisational transformation.
Change management professionals: Individuals who specialise in managing and leading change initiatives.
HR professionals: HR leaders and practitioners interested in fostering a culture of change and employee engagement.
Consultants and advisors: Professionals who support organisations in their change and transformation journeys.
Anyone seeking to develop their leadership skills and ability to navigate change.

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Address

Due Drop Events Centre
770 Great South Road,
Wiri, Auckland

Tickets - choose your option

$1500

$ 1100 + gst Per Person

Must be from the same organisation & book at the same time. For valid tickets, payment by 25 September, 2026.

$1900

$ 1500 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 25 September, 2026.

$ 900 + gst Price Per Person

Must be from the same organisation & book at the same time. For valid tickets, payment by 17 July, 2026.

$1900

$ 1300 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 17 July, 2026.

$1500

$ 1300 + gst Per Person

Must be from the same organisation & book at the same time. For valid tickets, payment by 20 October, 2026.

$1900

$ 1700 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 20 October, 2026.

$ 1500 + gst Per Person

Must be from the same organisation & book at the same time. For valid tickets, payment by 10 November, 2026.

$ 1900 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 10 November, 2026.

Registration Conditions

Ticket Terms
All prices are in New Zealand dollars ($NZD)
A surcharge of 2.5% + GST applies to credit card payments on top of the total amount.
Pre-Sale Tickets are valid only for the specific event for which they were purchased and cannot be transferred to other events. To remain valid, Super Saver and Early Bird tickets must be paid by date quoted.
Group ticket options are valid for registrations from the same organisation, booked at the same time.
By selecting any special pricing offer for classes of organisation, sector, or individuals or using any promotion code, you are asserting to the organiser your right to claim any such pricing offer, and acknowledge the organiser’s right to audit such claim and, if in the opinion of the organiser using its sole discretion the conditions for special pricing are not met, reject any registration.

For full terms & conditions, please visit https://www.brightstar.co.nz/terms-and-conditions

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities

Aotearoa’s schools are facing massive curriculum changes, staff burnout, and the rise of AI. Decision-makers aren’t just looking for advice—they are looking for tools, tech, and partners to help them execute.

The Kura Conference 2026 brings together primary and secondary principals, board members, and educational innovators. Align your brand with our dedicated Curriculum, Innovation, or Leadership streams and pitch directly to the budget holders.

Ready to take your brand to the next level? Contact us today to learn more or secure your spot at this leading event.

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