30 – 31 march 2026 | Rydges, auckland
29 – 30 April 2026 | Novotel Christchurch
Cathedral Square

A Development Forum for Senior Teachers, Deputy Principals, Deans and all Aspiring Principals

Step into Leadership with Confidence

Becoming a school principal in Aotearoa New Zealand is one of the most rewarding—and most challenging—career steps in education. New principals step into a role that is both diverse and dynamic—balancing leadership with new responsibilities across boards, budgets, property, employment, and community engagement.

The Future Principals’ Forum is here to help smooth the transition. Designed for deputy principals, senior school staff, and aspiring principals, this two-day forum connects you with experienced tumuaki, education experts, and thought leaders to equip tomorrow’s principals with the practical knowledge, networks, and tools they need to thrive.

Who should attend?

Deputy Principals & Assistant Principals – ready to step up and broaden their leadership toolkit.

Senior School Leaders – heads of departments, team leaders, and others looking to expand their leadership scope.

Aspiring Principals – educators preparing for the next stage of their career journey.

New Principals (first 1–3 years) – those wanting to strengthen their confidence and capability in the role.

Theme: Building Confident, Capable, and Connected Leaders for Tomorrow’s Schools

It captures:

Confidence – practical skills to lead boards, staff, and communities.

Capability – navigating curriculum reform, governance, operations, and legal responsibilities.

Connection – networking with experienced principals, peers, and sector leaders.

Why Attend?

Gain practical tools

From budgeting and property management to employment law and conflict resolution, walk away with strategies you can apply immediately.

Learn from experience

Hear honest insights and lessons from seasoned principals who have navigated the challenges of school leadership.

Shape your leadership journey

Build confidence in leading people, curriculum, and community with clarity and purpose.

Connect and collaborate

Grow your professional network with other emerging leaders and establish relationships that will support you throughout your career.

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2025

Our 2025 key lineup features financial leaders and strategic thinkers sharing insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of today’s CFO.
Check out the full list.

Name

Job title

Org

Name

Job title

Org

Name

Job title

Org

Check out our other upcoming events

Auckland

Conference

STEAM Education Summit

Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024

Auckland

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Address

Grand Millennium, Auckland
71 Mayoral Drive, Cnr Vincent Street, Auckland 1010

Agenda

Agenda to be announced

8:00	Registration and coffee
08:50	Mihi Whakatau
9:00	Welcome remarks from the Chair
9:10	Leading the Future: Innovation, Resilience and Equity in Education An update from the Ministry on key priorities shaping the future — strengthening equity, excellence, and innovation across the education system An overview of the Ministry’s leadership development initiatives, including pathways to support aspiring principals and emerging school leaders
9:45	Navigating the Principal Journey Panel: Insights for Tomorrow's School Leaders Lessons learned from experienced school principals on school leadership Practical strategies for managing staff, students, and community expectations Approaches to leading and sustaining change with confidence and clarity Stephanie Thompson, Prinicpal, Beach Haven Primary School More panellists to be announced
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Implementing the New Zealand Curriculum – Reform update The vision for the refreshed NZ Curriculum and leading change with confidence Ensuring equity and a curriculum that strengthens Māori and Pacific success within the refreshed frameworks Resources, professional learning, and leadership strategies to make curriculum change meaningful and sustainable Auckland - Hayley Welch, General Manager, New Zealand Curriculum & Te Whāriki, Ministry of Education
11:45	Supporting Success: Creating Effective Learning Environments for Every Student Understanding how to assess needs of learners and provide adequate support to kaiako, ākonga and their whānau Challenging established education approaches in response to new evidence or learning Achieving equitable outcomes for all students
12:30	Lunch
13:30	Working with the Board: Understanding School Governance Clarifying the distinct roles and responsibilities of the principal and the board Developing and maintaining a strong, trust-based working relationship between school leadership and governance Understanding the difference between governance and management in effective school operation Navigating the legal duties and obligations between principals and boards Auckland - Belinda Weber, Chief Advisor Governance, Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa \| New Zealand School Boards Association Christchurch - Cleave Hay, Education Consultant
14:15	Leading with Integrity: Te Tiriti at the Governance Table Exploring how school boards can give meaningful effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in governance, decision-making, and strategic planning Practical approaches for building cultural capability, honouring partnerships with mana whenua, and ensuring equitable outcomes for Māori learners
15:00	Afternoon Break
15:30	Leading Within the Law: Employment Essentials for Principals Understanding your legal responsibilities as an employer Explore key differences in collective agreements amongst school staff Managing performance issues fairly and with confidence Auckland - Gretchen Stone, Partner, Harrison & Stone
16:15	Interactive session – Courageous Conversations: Practical Tools for Managing Conflict Developing confidence and strategies to approach challenging conversations with staff, parents, and boards while maintaining positive relationships Building practical conflict resolution skills that support a healthy, collaborative school culture and effective leadership
16:55	Summary remarks from the Chair
17:00	Day 1 Close and Networking Drinks

8:00	Registration and coffee
9:00	Welcome back from the Chair
9:10	Supporting Principals: Lessons from the Beginning Principals’ Program Key insights from supporting principals in their first year – what works in building confidence and capability in the first years of school leadership Lessons on embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice – how beginning principals are developing leadership that reflects Aotearoa New Zealand’s context The power of networks and advisory support – evidence of how mentoring, regional collaboration, and trusted relationships strengthen leadership success Auckland & Christchurch - Sue Ngārimu, National Project Lead, Evaluation Associates
9:45	Leading with Confidence Panel: Building Workforce Resilience in Schools Strategies for navigating recruitment challenges and teacher shortages across New Zealand Building a workforce that is skilled, motivated, and committed to your school’s vision Creating a workplace environment that values intergenerational and cultural diversity, collaboration, and wellbeing
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Health & Safety: Responsibilities and Best Practice for School Leaders Understand your legal responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) How to identify and manage key health and safety risks in the school environment Risk assessment and planning expectations for education outside the classroom The role of the board and Principal and responsibilities of each
11:40	Budget and beyond \| Managing funds for your school Innovative strategies for maximising limited resources to support student learning, staff development, and wellbeing Practical approaches to raising additional funds to support strategic school initiatives Ensuring strategic resource alignment and that funds are effectively directed to support your school’s vision and goals
12:20	Lunch
13:20	Resolving Complaints with Clarity, Care, and Confidence Understanding the complaints process from a legal perspective Practical strategies for managing complaints including de-escalation, communication, and resolution skills Roles and responsibilities of the board and the Principal
14:00	In the Spotlight: How Principals Can Engage Effectively with the Media Understanding how and when to effectively engage with the media relating to events at your school Managing challenging questions and maintaining professionalism under pressure Crisis communication strategies to protect your school’s reputation Auckland - Mary Lambie, Director, Socius Media
14:45	Activity: Your Leadership Journey This reflective session invites the audience to pause and consider their leadership journey. Participants will identify practices they want to start, continue, or stop, helping them leave with clear, actionable commitments to lead with purpose.
14:55	Summary remarks from the Chair
15:00	Conference Close

8:00	Registration and coffee
08:50	Mihi Whakatau
9:00	Welcome remarks from the Chair
9:10	Leading the Future: Innovation, Resilience and Equity in Education An update from the Ministry on key priorities shaping the future — strengthening equity, excellence, and innovation across the education system An overview of the Ministry’s leadership development initiatives, including pathways to support aspiring principals and emerging school leaders
9:45	Navigating the Principal Journey Panel: Insights for Tomorrow's School Leaders Lessons learned from experienced school principals on school leadership Practical strategies for managing staff, students, and community expectations Approaches to leading and sustaining change with confidence and clarity Stephanie Thompson, Prinicpal, Beach Haven Primary School More panellists to be announced
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Implementing the New Zealand Curriculum – Reform update The vision for the refreshed NZ Curriculum and leading change with confidence Ensuring equity and a curriculum that strengthens Māori and Pacific success within the refreshed frameworks Resources, professional learning, and leadership strategies to make curriculum change meaningful and sustainable Auckland - Hayley Welch, General Manager, New Zealand Curriculum & Te Whāriki, Ministry of Education
11:45	Supporting Success: Creating Effective Learning Environments for Every Student Understanding how to assess needs of learners and provide adequate support to kaiako, ākonga and their whānau Challenging established education approaches in response to new evidence or learning Achieving equitable outcomes for all students
12:30	Lunch
13:30	Working with the Board: Understanding School Governance Clarifying the distinct roles and responsibilities of the principal and the board Developing and maintaining a strong, trust-based working relationship between school leadership and governance Understanding the difference between governance and management in effective school operation Navigating the legal duties and obligations between principals and boards Auckland - Belinda Weber, Chief Advisor Governance, Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa \| New Zealand School Boards Association Christchurch - Cleave Hay, Education Consultant
14:15	Leading with Integrity: Te Tiriti at the Governance Table Exploring how school boards can give meaningful effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in governance, decision-making, and strategic planning Practical approaches for building cultural capability, honouring partnerships with mana whenua, and ensuring equitable outcomes for Māori learners
15:00	Afternoon Break
15:30	Leading Within the Law: Employment Essentials for Principals Understanding your legal responsibilities as an employer Explore key differences in collective agreements amongst school staff Managing performance issues fairly and with confidence Auckland - Gretchen Stone, Partner, Harrison & Stone
16:15	Interactive session – Courageous Conversations: Practical Tools for Managing Conflict Developing confidence and strategies to approach challenging conversations with staff, parents, and boards while maintaining positive relationships Building practical conflict resolution skills that support a healthy, collaborative school culture and effective leadership
16:55	Summary remarks from the Chair
17:00	Day 1 Close and Networking Drinks

Speakers Auckland

Stephanie Thompson

Principal

Beach Haven Primary School

Read bio

Stephanie is the Principal of Beach Haven Primary in Auckland, with over 23 years of leadership experience across Otago, Canterbury, and Auckland. She has led diverse schools, from small semi-rural U1 settings to large U6 city schools, fostering innovation, equity, and sustainable leadership. As a member of the ICP Convention Committee, Stephanie is responsible for shaping the programme, ensuring an impactful experience for global school leaders. She currently serves as an NZPF Executive Member, Kāhui Ako Lead, RTLB Cluster Lead Principal, and PPCB Negotiating Team Member and was named an APPA Distinguished Fellow (2024). Stephanie has held key sector leadership roles, including NSPA President, OPPA Executive Member, and NZEI Principals’ Council Representative. A strong advocate for the education sector, she champions sustainable leadership, equitable opportunities, and system-wide improvements. She is dedicated to strengthening principal leadership, ensuring school leaders are well-supported to drive positive change across the sector. Committed to equity in education, Stephanie works to create opportunities for all students to thrive, succeed, and contribute meaningfully to society. Through her leadership and advocacy, she continues to drive collaboration, innovation, and high-quality education for all.

Sue Ngārimu

National Project Lead

Evaluation Associates

Read bio

Sue is one of Evaluation Associates’ national managers of leadership services and the current project lead for our principal advisor contract. She joined the organisation in 2017 as a leadership advisor, then progressed to team lead supporting advisors who work with beginning principals and tumuaki across Hawkes Bay, Te Tairāwhiti, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatū and Wellington. Since 2024, Sue has led the guided and targeted supports provided to hundreds of beginning principals in their first three years of principalship.

Sue is deeply committed to ensuring an exceptionally high standard of service. She brings a strong bicultural lens to her leadership and a proven track record in designing, implementing, and continuously improving national supports for new school leaders. Prior to joining us, Sue served as tumuaki of Te Kura o Hiruharama for 11 years. She represented her region on Ministry of Education advisory groups, chaired the Ngāti Porou East Coast Principals’ Association, directed an ICT PD cluster, and served for a decade on the board of the Kura Kaupapa Māori her children attended. She is chair of the Tūranganui-a-Kiwa Kāhui Ako stewardship group (representing Ngāti Porou) and was a member of the New Zealand Teachers’ Disciplinary Tribunal from 2008-2020.

Mary Lambie

Director

Socius Media

Read bio

Mary is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, media trainer, and communications strategist.

She is also the founder of Socius Media (2015) – a media consultancy.

Mary has worked across New Zealand as a journalist, TV and radio host, newsreader and political panellist. From 1991, she served as Radio New Zealand’s Tokyo correspondent and later hosted BBC World Service’s Business programme. In 1997, Mary became the host of TV One’s Good Morning while also presenting the Money Doctor programme. Mary has written columns, authored 101 Quick Tips for Surviving Your Kids, and reported on Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration from Washington. In 2023, she appeared on Celebrity Treasure Island and was media advisor to the then opposition leader Christopher Luxon, now Prime Minister.

Mary lives in Auckland with her husband, broadcaster Jim Mora, and their three children. She holds degrees from Victoria University and AUT. A keen endurance athlete, Mary has completed five marathons, the Coast to Coast race twice, and multiple long-distance cycling events.

Belinda Weber

Chief Advisor Governance

Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa | New Zealand School Boards Association

Read bio

Belinda Weber is the Chief Advisor, Governance at NZSBA, New Zealand School Boards Association, where she leads national work on strengthening school board effectiveness. With a background in governance development, policy design, and sector leadership, Belinda works to support boards to stay strategic, accountable, and student-focused. She was central in designing NZSBA’s refreshed school governance framework and policy suite, helping boards clarify their roles and lift school performance. Known for her clear, practical approach and sector knowledge, Belinda works alongside boards, principals, and advisors to grow governance capability and drive meaningful change across schools in New Zealand.

Gretchen Stone

Partner

Harrison Stone

Read bio

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.

Speakers Christchurch

Nicola Jacobsen

Principal

Mount Aspiring College

Read bio

Nicola Jacobsen is the Principal at Mount Aspiring College, Wānaka. Originally from Blenheim, Nicola had been with Auckland’s Pakuranga College as a Deputy Principal for the six years prior to taking up the position of Principal at Mount Aspiring College in 2021.

Before her appointment to Pakuranga College, Nicola held senior positions at Botany Downs Secondary College. She is a graduate of the University of Canterbury and the Christchurch College of Education and completed a Master’s degree from the University of Auckland in 2019.

Nicola understands the importance of strong community connections and believes that education is for everyone; and to lead a school which serves the whole community is a great opportunity.

As well as a passion for education, Nicola is also passionate about education outside the classroom. As a keen mountain biker herself, she knows how special Wānaka is for the opportunities to engage in the outdoors.

Sue Ngārimu

National Project Lead

Evaluation Associates

Read bio

Cleave Hay

Education Consultant

Read bio

Cleave first experienced school governance when he was co-opted onto a school board 25 years ago at a school his children were attending in South Canterbury. He has, for the last 20 years, worked one on one with close to 200 schools across the motu and has facilitated many workshops and conference presentations on behalf of NZSBA. He also worked in the NZSBA head office in two fixed term roles as the Principal Adviser Governance. For the past 13 years Cleave has operated fulltime as an independent contractor working with school boards, including 15 statutory appointments, and is currently Commissioner in two schools.

Workshops

Workshops to be announced

POST CONFERENCE

Workshop title goes here

XX XXX 2025 | 9.00am - 12.30pm

This workshop you will cover:

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Speaker Photo

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$1750

$ 1650 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 20 February, 2026

$1750

$ 900 Price Per Person + gst

Must be from the same organisation and book at the same time. For valid tickets, payment by 30 March 2026.

$1750

$ 1250 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 19 December, 2025

$ 1750 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 30 March 2026

$1750

$ 900 + gst

Available until 14 Nov 2025 OR until 40 tickets sold, whichever occurs first.

Event tickets - Christchurch

$1750

$ 1650 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 2 April, 2026

$1750

$ 900 Price Per Person + gst

Must be from the same organisation and book at the same time. For valid tickets, payment by 29 April, 2026.

$1750

$ 1250 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 13 March, 2026

$ 1750 + gst

For valid ticket, payment by 29 April, 2026

$1750

$ 900 + gst

Available until 14 Nov 2025 OR until 40 tickets sold, whichever occurs first.

$ XXXX per person + gst

Must be from same organisation and book at same time. Available until XX month 2025 OR until 40 tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by XX month 2025.

$ XXXX per person + gst

Must be from same organisation and book at same time. For valid ticket, payment by XX month 2025.

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General Contact

Tagged 30-31 March, 30-31 March 2026, Auckland

Step into Leadership with Confidence

Who should attend?

Theme: Building Confident, Capable, and Connected Leaders for Tomorrow’s Schools

Why Attend?

Gain practical tools

Learn from experience

Shape your leadership journey

Connect and collaborate

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2025

Name

Org

Name

Org

Name

Org

Check out our other upcoming events

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Agenda

Speakers Auckland

Stephanie Thompson

Sue Ngārimu

Mary Lambie

Belinda Weber

Gretchen Stone

Speakers Christchurch

Nicola Jacobsen

Sue Ngārimu

Cleave Hay

Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Silver sponsors

Exhibitors

Don't miss out on the connections and credibility boost!

Workshops

POST CONFERENCE

Want to join this conference?

Register your interest, we will be in touch when tickets are available.

Event tickets - Auckland

Early Bird

Double Pass

Super Saver

Full Price

Individual ticket - Pre Sale

Event tickets - Christchurch

Early Bird

Double Pass

Super Saver

Full Price

Individual ticket - Pre Sale

Multi-buy 3+ Tickets - Pre Sale

Multi-buy 3 + Tickets - Full price

Registration Conditions

Make an enquiry

General Contact