10 - 11 June 2026 | Wellington

15 - 16 June 2026 | Auckland

Legal & Governance Essentials For School Leaders Auckland

Why attend?

Examining the school leader’s role in 2026, this event aims to keep educational leaders well-informed about essential legal and regulatory matters, such as employment regulations, privacy protocols, the well-being of students and staff, communication strategies, technological advancements, and more. It seeks to ensure that leaders in primary, intermediate, and secondary schools stay updated on vital changes in education legislation and have the opportunity to engage with experts.

Key Themes:

Legal, regulatory & policy updates
Employment, workforce & staff wellbeing
Governance, Boards & capability building
Complaints management, student discipline & community relations
Curriculum reform, teacher education & system change
Emerging Risk, Technology & AI in Schools
Te Tiriti o Waitangi in school governance and leadership

Venue - Auckland

JW Marriott, Auckland
22-26 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010

Venue - Wellington

Oaks Wellington Hotel
89 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

Agenda

8:30	Registration and Coffee
8:45	Mihi Whakatau
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair
9:10	What’s changed, what’s coming: Key legal updates for schools in 2026 Key legal and regulatory changes that have come into effect, or are about to, and how they impact schools - Discussing the Education and Training Amendment Act 2025 and what it means for your school - Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill Recent case law and decisions shaping school governance, employment, and student management Case: Board of the Gloriavale Christian School v Chief Executive of the Ministry of Education (2026) Common risk areas emerging for principals and boards Practical implications for school leaders: what needs to change in policy, process, or practice What to watch next - Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill (pending)
9:50	The Code of Professional Responsibility and school obligations Understanding the purpose and scope of the Code of Professional Responsibility Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of teachers, school leaders, and boards Practically implementing and adopting the code of conduct Practically implementing and adopting the code of conduct Determining when and how to notify or engage with the Teaching Council
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Te Tiriti o Waitangi: What has changed and what it means for schools Explaining the previous legal duty on school boards in relation to Te Tiriti o Waitangi Outlining what has changed in the legislative and policy framework Clarifying what obligations schools no longer have in statute, and what expectations remain Is there flexibility in how schools integrate Te tiriti into their practice? Understanding equity, partnership, and engagement considerations in the current environment Considering how schools are responding in practice across different contexts Identifying areas of ongoing uncertainty, risk, and understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your Kura
11:30	Employment processes in schools: Performance, discipline, and fair process Understanding the legal framework governing employment processes in schools Recognising the difference between performance management and disciplinary action Following fair process requirements, including investigation, notice, and the right to respond Managing common performance and conduct issues in school settings Avoiding procedural mistakes that often lead to personal grievances Clarifying the respective roles of principals and boards in employment matters Knowing when to seek advice or escalate matters
12:20	When complaints escalate: Board roles and the Ombudsman Understanding when and why complaints escalate beyond the school’s usual processes Clarifying the respective roles of principals and boards when a complaint reaches governance level Recognising the point at which external oversight bodies, including the Ombudsman, may become involved Understanding the Ombudsman’s role, powers, and approach to reviewing school complaints Identifying common issues that lead to escalation or Ombudsman scrutiny Responding to escalated complaints in a way that is fair, transparent, and procedurally sound Learning from Ombudsman findings and recommendations
12:50	Lunch Break
13:50	Managing difficult parents: Practical strategies that work Recognising common types of difficult parent behaviour Using proven strategies to de-escalate conflict and manage challenging conversations Applying consistent approaches across staff and leadership Documenting interactions to support fair process Knowing when to escalate issues to senior leadership or the board
14:10	Staff health, long-term leave, and medical incapacity: Legal considerations Understanding employer obligations when staff experience illness or injury Managing long-term sick leave and ongoing absence fairly and lawfully Clarifying medical incapacity and when it may become an employment issue Using medical information appropriately while respecting privacy obligations Following fair process when considering role changes or termination for medical reasons Supporting staff wellbeing while meeting operational and legal requirements Understanding when to seek advice or involve the board
14:40	Privacy and information requests: can schools decline a parent’s request? Understanding the Privacy Act and Official Information Act as they apply to schools Clarifying when parents are entitled to request information on behalf of their child Identifying circumstances where information can be lawfully withheld or refused Balancing transparency with privacy, safety, and wellbeing obligations Managing requests involving staff information, third parties, or sensitive material Responding to complex or high-risk requests in a timely and procedurally sound way Knowing when to seek advice or engage with the Privacy Commissioner or Ombudsman
15:10	Afternoon Break
15:30	Social media issues in schools: Understanding jurisdiction and limits Understanding what jurisdiction means in the context of social media and schools Clarifying when online behaviour falls within a school’s responsibility Distinguishing between student, staff, and parent social media issues Identifying factors that bring social media conduct into school jurisdiction (impact, safety, school environment) Understanding legal limits on school action, including privacy, employment, and free expression considerations Responding appropriately to social media incidents without overstepping authority Knowing when to escalate matters to the board, external agencies, or regulators
16:00	Safety vs Privacy: Cameras in schools Understanding why schools use cameras and the risks they are intended to manage Clarifying the legal framework governing camera use in schools, including privacy obligations Distinguishing between acceptable and inappropriate uses of cameras Considering location, purpose, and proportionality when installing or expanding camera systems Understanding school-level data and information security responsibilities relating to camera systems Managing access to footage, retention periods, and disclosure requests Responding to complaints or concerns about camera use Knowing when camera use may overstep privacy boundaries and how to mitigate risk Knowing when camera use may overstep privacy boundaries and how to mitigate risk
16:20	Principals panel: Understanding the pressures on principals and what helps Identifying the key pressures facing principals today, including workload, compliance, complaints, and staffing challenges Understanding why some principals leave the role and the factors that contribute to burnout Sharing practical strategies principals use to manage workload, stress, and competing demands Exploring the support structures that make a meaningful difference, including boards, leadership teams, and external support Discussing how governance practices can either add pressure or help reduce it Highlighting what helps principals sustain their leadership over time
17:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks

8:30	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcoming back remarks from the Chair
9:10	Setting new boards up for success Defining the role of the board and how it differs from day-to-day management Discussing how to set clear expectations around conduct, confidentiality, and collective decision-making Early context on the school’s culture, operations, and priorities Building understanding of legal, employment, and risk responsibilities Importance of establishing effective board processes, including meetings, reporting, and decision-making Recognising early signs that additional governance support may be needed Sharing practical lessons from real school settings and what has worked and what hasn’t
9:50	The Board- Principal relationship: Trust, tension, and accountability Clearly defining the distinct roles and responsibilities of the board and the principal Exploring where tension most often arises and the factors that contribute to it Strengthening trust through clear communication, shared expectations, and transparency Strategies to approach disagreement and challenge in a constructive and respectful way How to respond effectively when relationships strain or concerns escalate Balancing accountability requirements while supporting strong, effective leadership
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Curriculum reform in practice: Managing continuous change The current landscape of curriculum reform and what is driving ongoing change What continuous change looks like in practice for schools and leadership teams Supporting teachers through change while maintaining capability Balancing consultation, implementation, and day-to-day operational demands Managing workload, change fatigue, and staff wellbeing Aligning curriculum change with governance oversight and strategic planning Lessons from schools that have successfully navigated sustained reform
11:30	Recent education law cases: What school leaders must know This interactive session will explore a selection of recent education law cases involving schools. Delegates will be invited to consider how they would have responded to real-world situations before the actual outcomes and legal findings are discussed. Using scenarios drawn from real cases, the session will prompt discussion around decision-making, process, and judgement, and highlight where schools commonly go wrong. The focus is on practical learning, helping principals and boards understand how legal expectations apply in everyday school leadership and governance.
12:20	Lunch Break
13:20	Responding to suspected harm: School obligations and next steps Understanding the school’s duty of care when harm is suspected Recognising signs and indicators of possible harm or self-harm Clarifying when concerns should be escalated and who must be notified Understanding reporting obligations and information-sharing requirements Responding appropriately while balancing privacy, safety, and wellbeing Documenting concerns and actions taken Understanding when and how to engage external agencies and supports
14:00	Bullying, online harm, and school responsibility Understanding the school’s duty of care in relation to bullying and online harm Recognising when bullying or online behaviour falls within a school’s responsibility Distinguishing between in-school, off-site, and online incidents Responding to bullying complaints in a timely, fair, and proportionate way Managing online harm, including social media-related incidents Knowing when to escalate matters to senior leadership, boards, or external agencies Learning from recent examples and common pitfalls
14:30	Stand-downs, suspensions, and exclusions: Legal thresholds and good practice Understanding the legal thresholds for stand-downs, suspensions, and exclusions Distinguishing between different disciplinary responses and when each is appropriate Applying fair process requirements, including investigation, notice, and the right to be heard Balancing student wellbeing, school safety, and legal obligations Managing documentation and decision-making to support lawful outcomes Recognising common errors that lead to successful challenges or complaints Learning from recent cases and examples of good practice
15:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & End of Conference

8:30	Registration and Coffee
8:45	Mihi Whakatau
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair
9:10	What’s changed, what’s coming: Key legal updates for schools in 2026 Key legal and regulatory changes that have come into effect, or are about to, and how they impact schools - Discussing the Education and Training Amendment Act 2025 and what it means for your school - Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill Recent case law and decisions shaping school governance, employment, and student management Case: Board of the Gloriavale Christian School v Chief Executive of the Ministry of Education (2026) Common risk areas emerging for principals and boards Practical implications for school leaders: what needs to change in policy, process, or practice What to watch next - Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill (pending)
9:50	The Code of Professional Responsibility and school obligations Understanding the purpose and scope of the Code of Professional Responsibility Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of teachers, school leaders, and boards Practically implementing and adopting the code of conduct Practically implementing and adopting the code of conduct Determining when and how to notify or engage with the Teaching Council
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Te Tiriti o Waitangi: What has changed and what it means for schools Explaining the previous legal duty on school boards in relation to Te Tiriti o Waitangi Outlining what has changed in the legislative and policy framework Clarifying what obligations schools no longer have in statute, and what expectations remain Is there flexibility in how schools integrate Te tiriti into their practice? Understanding equity, partnership, and engagement considerations in the current environment Considering how schools are responding in practice across different contexts Identifying areas of ongoing uncertainty, risk, and understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your Kura
11:30	Employment processes in schools: Performance, discipline, and fair process Understanding the legal framework governing employment processes in schools Recognising the difference between performance management and disciplinary action Following fair process requirements, including investigation, notice, and the right to respond Managing common performance and conduct issues in school settings Avoiding procedural mistakes that often lead to personal grievances Clarifying the respective roles of principals and boards in employment matters Knowing when to seek advice or escalate matters
12:20	When complaints escalate: Board roles and the Ombudsman Understanding when and why complaints escalate beyond the school’s usual processes Clarifying the respective roles of principals and boards when a complaint reaches governance level Recognising the point at which external oversight bodies, including the Ombudsman, may become involved Understanding the Ombudsman’s role, powers, and approach to reviewing school complaints Identifying common issues that lead to escalation or Ombudsman scrutiny Responding to escalated complaints in a way that is fair, transparent, and procedurally sound Learning from Ombudsman findings and recommendations Leo Donnelly, ONZM Barrister, Education Law NZ
12:50	Lunch Break
13:50	Managing difficult parents: Practical strategies that work Recognising common types of difficult parent behaviour Using proven strategies to de-escalate conflict and manage challenging conversations Applying consistent approaches across staff and leadership Documenting interactions to support fair process Knowing when to escalate issues to senior leadership or the board Representative TBC The People Practice
14:10	Staff health, long-term leave, and medical incapacity: Legal considerations Understanding employer obligations when staff experience illness or injury Managing long-term sick leave and ongoing absence fairly and lawfully Clarifying medical incapacity and when it may become an employment issue Using medical information appropriately while respecting privacy obligations Following fair process when considering role changes or termination for medical reasons Supporting staff wellbeing while meeting operational and legal requirements Understanding when to seek advice or involve the board
14:40	Privacy and information requests: can schools decline a parent’s request? Understanding the Privacy Act and Official Information Act as they apply to schools Clarifying when parents are entitled to request information on behalf of their child Identifying circumstances where information can be lawfully withheld or refused Balancing transparency with privacy, safety, and wellbeing obligations Managing requests involving staff information, third parties, or sensitive material Responding to complex or high-risk requests in a timely and procedurally sound way Knowing when to seek advice or engage with the Privacy Commissioner or Ombudsman
15:10	Afternoon Break
15:30	Social media issues in schools: Understanding jurisdiction and limits Understanding what jurisdiction means in the context of social media and schools Clarifying when online behaviour falls within a school’s responsibility Distinguishing between student, staff, and parent social media issues Identifying factors that bring social media conduct into school jurisdiction (impact, safety, school environment) Understanding legal limits on school action, including privacy, employment, and free expression considerations Responding appropriately to social media incidents without overstepping authority Knowing when to escalate matters to the board, external agencies, or regulators
16:00	Safety vs Privacy: Cameras in schools Understanding why schools use cameras and the risks they are intended to manage Clarifying the legal framework governing camera use in schools, including privacy obligations Distinguishing between acceptable and inappropriate uses of cameras Considering location, purpose, and proportionality when installing or expanding camera systems Understanding school-level data and information security responsibilities relating to camera systems Managing access to footage, retention periods, and disclosure requests Responding to complaints or concerns about camera use Knowing when camera use may overstep privacy boundaries and how to mitigate risk Knowing when camera use may overstep privacy boundaries and how to mitigate risk
16:20	Principals panel: Understanding the pressures on principals and what helps Identifying the key pressures facing principals today, including workload, compliance, complaints, and staffing challenges Understanding why some principals leave the role and the factors that contribute to burnout Sharing practical strategies principals use to manage workload, stress, and competing demands Exploring the support structures that make a meaningful difference, including boards, leadership teams, and external support Discussing how governance practices can either add pressure or help reduce it Highlighting what helps principals sustain their leadership over time
17:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks

8:30	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcoming back remarks from the Chair
9:10	Setting new boards up for success Defining the role of the board and how it differs from day-to-day management Discussing how to set clear expectations around conduct, confidentiality, and collective decision-making Early context on the school’s culture, operations, and priorities Building understanding of legal, employment, and risk responsibilities Importance of establishing effective board processes, including meetings, reporting, and decision-making Recognising early signs that additional governance support may be needed Sharing practical lessons from real school settings and what has worked and what hasn’t
9:50	The Board- Principal relationship: Trust, tension, and accountability Clearly defining the distinct roles and responsibilities of the board and the principal Exploring where tension most often arises and the factors that contribute to it Strengthening trust through clear communication, shared expectations, and transparency Strategies to approach disagreement and challenge in a constructive and respectful way How to respond effectively when relationships strain or concerns escalate Balancing accountability requirements while supporting strong, effective leadership Cleave Hay, Education Consultant
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Curriculum reform in practice: Managing continuous change The current landscape of curriculum reform and what is driving ongoing change What continuous change looks like in practice for schools and leadership teams Supporting teachers through change while maintaining capability Balancing consultation, implementation, and day-to-day operational demands Managing workload, change fatigue, and staff wellbeing Aligning curriculum change with governance oversight and strategic planning Lessons from schools that have successfully navigated sustained reform
11:30	Recent education law cases: What school leaders must know This interactive session will explore a selection of recent education law cases involving schools. Delegates will be invited to consider how they would have responded to real-world situations before the actual outcomes and legal findings are discussed. Using scenarios drawn from real cases, the session will prompt discussion around decision-making, process, and judgement, and highlight where schools commonly go wrong. The focus is on practical learning, helping principals and boards understand how legal expectations apply in everyday school leadership and governance. Fi McMillan, Special Counsel, Anderson Lloyd
12:20	Lunch Break
13:20	Responding to suspected harm: School obligations and next steps Understanding the school’s duty of care when harm is suspected Recognising signs and indicators of possible harm or self-harm Clarifying when concerns should be escalated and who must be notified Understanding reporting obligations and information-sharing requirements Responding appropriately while balancing privacy, safety, and wellbeing Documenting concerns and actions taken Understanding when and how to engage external agencies and supports
14:00	Bullying, online harm, and school responsibility Understanding the school’s duty of care in relation to bullying and online harm Recognising when bullying or online behaviour falls within a school’s responsibility Distinguishing between in-school, off-site, and online incidents Responding to bullying complaints in a timely, fair, and proportionate way Managing online harm, including social media-related incidents Knowing when to escalate matters to senior leadership, boards, or external agencies Learning from recent examples and common pitfalls Rachael Judge, Partner, Simpson Grierson Rachel Nightingale, Senior Associate, Simpson Grierson
14:30	Stand-downs, suspensions, and exclusions: Legal thresholds and good practice Understanding the legal thresholds for stand-downs, suspensions, and exclusions Distinguishing between different disciplinary responses and when each is appropriate Applying fair process requirements, including investigation, notice, and the right to be heard Balancing student wellbeing, school safety, and legal obligations Managing documentation and decision-making to support lawful outcomes Recognising common errors that lead to successful challenges or complaints Learning from recent cases and examples of good practice
15:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & End of Conference

Speakers
(To be announced in the future)

Speakers - Wellington

Mai Chen

Barrister

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Mai Chen (LLB(Hons), LLM, HonLLD) is one of New Zealand’s top constitutional and administrative law experts. She founded NZ’s first public law firm, Chen Palmer, with Sir Geoffrey Palmer KC. She has held academic roles at the University of Auckland and Victoria University and chaired several diversity-focused organisations. A published author, former BNZ Director, and Securities Commission member, she was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2023. Born in Taiwan, Mai arrived in NZ speaking only two English words.

Kirsty Wallace

Special Counsel

Duncan Cotterill

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Mary Lambie

Director

Socius Media

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Alyn Higgins

Barrister & Solicitor

Ath Consulting

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Caro Rieger

Director

Black Door Law

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Caro is a highly experienced employment law expert, trusted by boards and executives across both private and public sectors. She regularly advises school boards, early childhood providers, and organisations facing professional disciplinary matters, bringing a deep understanding of the unique challenges and regulatory frameworks they operate within. Caro is frequently appointed as an independent investigator for complex workplace issues, including bullying, sexual harassment, and cultural reviews, with her reports shaping both employment decisions and broader organisational change. Caro is regularly invited to present on employment law, governance, and workplace culture.

Shirley Porteous

Principal

Newlands Primary School

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I am a passionate, committed educator who has had the privilege of leading two kura in Wellington. Leading others and growing effective teams is when I feel ‘in my element’. I also relish the opportunity we are given as kaiako to make a real difference to the lives of tamariki. As tumuaki at Newlands Primary School, I am lucky to contribute to the community in which I live, ensuring our kura plays a pivotal role in actively connecting with whānau and the wider community.

Fiona McMillan

Partner

Lane Neave

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Kevin Knight

Chief Executive

New Zealand Graduate School of Education

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Kevin, founder of NZGSE, is a seasoned teacher educator and former secondary school principal. With a background in educational psychology, he has lectured at colleges and developed the 8People model of teacher practice. Renowned across New Zealand and Australia for his work in behaviour management, mentoring, and appraisal, he also served on the former NZ Teachers Council. In 2020, Kevin was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education.

Cleave Hay

Education Consultant

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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.

Wikus Swanepoel

Principal

Maidstone Intermediate School

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Originally from South Africa, I trained as a kaiako through the High School system. After moving to New Zealand in the early 2000s, I discovered my passion for the middle school years. I believe every learner is capable and that learning should be authentic, engaging, and interactive. As a tumuaki, I value the breadth of our responsibilities—from property to curriculum—and appreciate workshops like this that empower us to lead effectively and make informed decisions.

Bruce Hart

Governance Advisor

NZ School Boards Association

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I have had a career in education as a teacher, senior leader and latterly as a long-serving high school principal. During this time, I served on many school boards, as a staff representative, elected parent rep and for six years as a presiding member. I have also represented secondary principals on a diverse range of advisory and reference groups including NZQA, The NZ Police and Education Partnership and various Ministry of Education reference and consultation groups including special education. My current role is to lead the Advisory Support Centre at Te Whakaroputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa – NZ School Boards Association providing governance and employment advice to schools throughout the country. I am a passionate believer in self-managing schools and community-based board members.

Alyn Higgins

Barrister & Solicitor

Ath Consulting

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