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10 - 11 June 2026 | Wellington, Te Papa

15 - 16 June 2026 | Auckland, Crowne Plaza

Legal & Governance Essentials For School Leaders Auckland

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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 - Wellington

Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable Stree,t Te Aro, Wellington

Venue - Auckland

Crowne Plaza, 128 Albert Street, Auckland CBD

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)

Mai Chen, Barrister, Mai Chen Barrister

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

Rose-Anne London, Tohutohu Mātua | Senior Advisor,Relationships & engagement, Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

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

Karen Feint KC, Thorndon Chambers

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

David Traylor, Partner , Dundas Street

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

Mark Ambler, General Manager, 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

Madeleine Hawkesby, Special Counsel , Duncan Cotterill

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

Fiona McMillan, Partner, Lane Neave

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

John Channer, Principal , Fraser Cres School

Paula Weston, Principal , Greytown School

Barri Dullabh, Principal , Tawa School

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

Meredith Kennett, President, NZ School Boards Association

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

Dr Michael Johnston, Senior Fellow, The New Zealand Initiative

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

Jane Searle, Chief Execitive Officer, Child Matters

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

14:30

Student discipline in Schools: Getting the investigation and fair process right

  • Understanding the legal thresholds for stand-downs, suspensions, and exclusions, and determining the appropriate disciplinary response in different situations

  • Conducting a fair and proportionate investigation by gathering relevant facts, speaking with those involved, and ensuring decisions are evidence-based.

  • Applying procedural fairness by providing clear notice of concerns, sharing relevant information, and giving the student and their whānau a genuine opportunity to respond.

  • Supporting lawful outcomes through careful documentation, clear reasoning, and sound board decision-making to reduce the risk of complaints or legal challenges.

James Cowan, Partner, Anderson Lloyd

15:00

Summary remarks from the Chair & End of Conference

Back to top

8:30

Registration and Coffee

8:45

Mihi Whakatau

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Steve Dunsmore, Principal , Horsham Downs School

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)

Mai Chen, Barrister, Mai Chen Barrister

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

Rose-Anne London, Tohutohu Mātua | Senior Advisor,Relationships & engagement, Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

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

Tania Waikato, Special Counsel, Tamaki Legal

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

Joy Walpole Williams , Associate, Heaney & Partners

Dew James Powys, Senior Solicitor, Heaney & Partners

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

Mark Ambler, General Manager, 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

Joseph Williams, Barrister, Joe William Barrister

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

  • Student misuse of social media and whether the school has jurisdiction to take disciplinary action

  • Staff use of social media and how much control a school has over this.

  • How to respond to difficult parents on social media.

Gretchen Stone, Partner, Harrison Stone

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

Fiona McMillan, Partner, Lane Neave

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

Chris May, Principal, Tauwhare School

Dale Burden, Principal , Howick College

Claire Amos, Principal, Albany Senior High School

Steve Dunsmore, Principal , Horsham Downs School

17:00

Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks

Steve Dunsmore, Principal , Horsham Downs School

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

Meredith Kennett, President, NZ School Boards Association

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

Dr Michael Johnston, Senior Fellow, The New Zealand Initiative

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

Jane Searle, Chief Execitive Officer, Child Matters

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

Student discipline in Schools: Getting the investigation and fair process right

  • Understanding the legal thresholds for stand-downs, suspensions, and exclusions, and determining the appropriate disciplinary response in different situations

  • Conducting a fair and proportionate investigation by gathering relevant facts, speaking with those involved, and ensuring decisions are evidence-based.

  • Applying procedural fairness by providing clear notice of concerns, sharing relevant information, and giving the student and their whānau a genuine opportunity to respond.

  • Supporting lawful outcomes through careful documentation, clear reasoning, and sound board decision-making to reduce the risk of complaints or legal challenges.

James Cowan , Partner , Anderson Lloyd

15:00

Summary remarks from the Chair & End of Conference

Steve Dunsmore, Principal , Horsham Downs School

Back to top

Speakers
(To be announced in the future)

Speakers - Wellington

Mark Ambler

General Manager
The People Practice
My name is Mark Ambler, and I am the GM of The People Practice based in the fabulous Coromandel Peninsula. We are not a human resources organisation. We are a human responses organisation. We deal with the behavioural aspect of people in business and work through the lenses of trauma and violence informed practice. Helping business owners and operators to deal with problematic behaviour in the workplace is what we do best. I hold a master’s degree in applied management, and I have worked in the fields of addiction and family violence for over a decade. I sit on a few Boards of social service organisations and thoroughly enjoy working with people.

James Cowan

Partner
Anderson Lloyd
James is a Partner in Anderson Lloyd’s employment team, specialising in workplace law and disputes. James has specialist expertise in conducting and advising on investigations, including those involving allegations of fraud, conflicts of interest, bullying, harassment, and corruption. He is frequently engaged to either conduct investigations or to provide strategic advice to organisations managing sensitive or contentious matters.

Karen Feint

KC,
Thorndon Chambers
Karen is a highly experienced advocate who takes a principled but pragmatic approach to securing the right outcome for her clients. She has a wide-ranging civil litigation and public law practice, with particular expertise at the interface of Crown and Māori relations – constitutional law, judicial review, equity, indigenous rights, and Treaty of Waitangi law. Karen has appeared as counsel before all levels of the New Zealand courts and in specialist jurisdictions such as the Waitangi Tribunal.
Karen was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 2019. She has been a barrister at Thorndon Chambers for over ten years, having previously worked at two national law firms. She has a BA/ LLB (First Class Honours) from the University of Otago, and a LLM from the University of Toronto, Canada.

Barri Dullabh

Principal
Tawa School
Barri Dullabh has been an educator for 30+ years where he has held various teaching roles and leadership positions and has been Principal at Tawa School since July 2018. He believes our schools should be places where our ākonga thrive as learners and as young people.The people who contribute to making this happen are our tumuaki and kaiako. He is a member of the WRPPA Executive team where he sees it as an opportunity to share his perspectives and knowledge to support principals across our region while also learning from others and growing in the Principal role himself. He acknowledge the challenges, complexity and diversity of this position, while also celebrating the wins, successes and positive impacts we make on and with our school communities. When our Principals, leaders and teachers thrive, our schools thrive. Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective

Paula Weston

Principal
Greytown School
Having been in education for over 20 years and 15 years as principal of 3 different kura, I’d like to say I’ve developed some wisdom that helps me to navigate the day to day and the out of ordinary challenges of school leadership.  Like all principals, being the leader of learning alongside the “guru” of all things HR, property and health and safety, wearing many hats makes our job eternally interesting.

John Channer

Principal
Fraser Cres School

Meredith Kennett

President
NZ School Boards Association

Madeleine Hawkesby

Special Counsel
Duncan Cotterill
Madeleine is a lawyer in the Christchurch employment law team. Her expertise covers all aspects of employment law, from disciplinary process, performance management, incapacity, investigations, restructuring, drafting employment agreements and policies, and mediations.
She is a trusted industry expert in the education sector where she advises not only on employment law matters but also has experience in privacy law, parent complaints, health and safety, student disciplinary matters, ombudsmen investigations, Official Information Act requests, independent investigations, performance appraisal, school governance and conflict resolution. She has been appointed by the Ministry of Education as a Limited Statutory Manager or Commissioner in a number of schools. She has developed a unique and in-depth understanding of the school environment and the complex legal issues faced, and most importantly how to successfully navigate them. Madeleine has also built a reputation as an independent investigator for high profile, sensitive and complex issues. She is an Associate of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand Inc, and has developed particular expertise in mediating and facilitating conflict resolution solutions between employees. She is also a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.

David Traylor

Partner
Dundas Street

Rachel Nightingale

Senior Associate
Simpson Grierson

Rachel has a broad range of experience in employment law matters, including advising on all types of personal grievance claims (including in respect of interim reinstatement applications in the Employment Relations Authority), disciplinary and performance concerns, and restructuring.

Rachel is focused on providing strategic and pragmatic advice to her clients, assisting them to achieve commercial and fair outcomes.

Rachel also has experience in education law, representing both independent and state schools on matters including enrolment agreements, school policies, student disciplinary issues, student human rights claims, as well as school staff issues.

Leo Donnelly, ONZM

Barrister
Education Law NZ
Leo Donnelly, ONZM is a former Ombudsman of New Zealand and is one of New Zealand’s leading experts in his specialist areas of Education Law, Information Law, Privacy Law and Public Law. As an Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman and a senior investigator at the Office of the Ombudsman, Leo spent 3 decades investigating and reviewing complaints about the administrative actions and procedures of state sector organisations and recommending resolutions to promote fair, just and transparent delivery of services to the public. This involved assessing individual actions and omissions in the context of an organisation’s systems and culture and statutory responsibilities. Leo brings governance and strategy expertise and wide experience in complaint handling and dispute resolution. Leo’s specialist skills and experience include identifying practical solutions within the law that satisfactorily resolve complaints by individuals who believe they have been treated in an unreasonable, unjust, oppressive or improperly discriminatory manner. In his Deputy Ombudsman and Ombudsman roles, Leo was an advocate for citizens seeking redress where they had been treated unfairly or where they had no voice and needed assistance in speaking truth to power. In the last 5 years in private practice and now as a Barrister, Leo continues to provide advocacy and legal advice in his specialist areas. He is also available to undertake investigations and assist clients in gaining the best advantage in Official Information, LGOIMA and Privacy Act requests and in pursuing or responding to complaints with the Ombudsman, Privacy Commissioner, Health and Disability Commissioner and claims in the Human Rights Review Tribunal. Leo has an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List. Leo is a member of the Executive Committee of the NZ Chapter of the Australia New Zealand Education Law Association (ANZELA) and is the General Secretary of the Oceania Karate Federation and Secretary of Karate Auckland. Leo is of NZ/Japanese ethnicity and holds an 8th Dan Black Belt in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate.

Rose-Anne London

Senior Advisor | Relationships and Pathways
Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Rose-Anne London tōku ingoa

He kaiako ahau

Ko au tētahi o ngā Tohutohu Mātua mō te Matatū o Aotearoa

Rose-Anne started her teaching experience in a part time role in Papaioea. This led to a love of teaching and a career including professional leader roles across early childhood services throughout Kāpiti and Whanganui-ā-Tara. Currently residing in Whanganui-ā-Tara, Rose-Anne is a Senior Advisor, in the Relationship and Engagement team at the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Speakers - Auckland

Mark Ambler

General Manager
The People Practice
My name is Mark Ambler, and I am the GM of The People Practice based in the fabulous Coromandel Peninsula. We are not a human resources organisation. We are a human responses organisation. We deal with the behavioural aspect of people in business and work through the lenses of trauma and violence informed practice. Helping business owners and operators to deal with problematic behaviour in the workplace is what we do best. I hold a master’s degree in applied management, and I have worked in the fields of addiction and family violence for over a decade. I sit on a few Boards of social service organisations and thoroughly enjoy working with people.

James Cowan

Partner
Anderson Lloyd
James is a Partner in Anderson Lloyd’s employment team, specialising in workplace law and disputes. James has specialist expertise in conducting and advising on investigations, including those involving allegations of fraud, conflicts of interest, bullying, harassment, and corruption. He is frequently engaged to either conduct investigations or to provide strategic advice to organisations managing sensitive or contentious matters.

Dale Burden

Principal
Howick College

Claire Amos

Principal
Albany Senior High School
Claire is the Principal at Albany Senior High School, Katoa Connect Member, William Pike Challenge Advisory Board Member, Aotearoa Education Collective Member, and co-founder of  @DisruptEDNZ. She is passionate about family, thrifting, skating, tattoos and leading change in education, living by the mantra – “you can never be overdressed or overeducated”.  

Meredith Kennett

President
NZ School Boards Association

Joseph Williams

Barrister
Joe William Barrister
Prior to joining the bar, Joe was a Senior Associate at Duncan Cotterill, one of New Zealand’s largest national law firms. In 2024, he was named a ‘Rising star’ in New Zealand employment law by Doyle’s international guide. ​Joe has a wide and varied range of experience, acting for individuals, small to medium businesses, large charitable trusts, schools, listed companies and multi-national corporations.​ ​With experience at a leading national law firm and as a Crown Prosecutor in both Auckland and Hamilton, and regular appearances in the District Court, High Court, Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court, Joe is an accomplished and effective litigator and advocate for his clients. ​In addition to in-court representation, Joe provides tailored and pragmatic employment law advice, workplace dispute resolution, and guidance through complex investigations, for employees, charitable organisations and businesses seeking a trusted employment law advisor. ​Joe is available to assist clients across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, including Hamilton, Tauranga, Matamata, Taupō, and Rotorua.

Tania Waikato

Special Counsel
Tamaki Legal

Rachel Nightingale

Senior Associate
Simpson Grierson

Rachel has a broad range of experience in employment law matters, including advising on all types of personal grievance claims (including in respect of interim reinstatement applications in the Employment Relations Authority), disciplinary and performance concerns, and restructuring.

Rachel is focused on providing strategic and pragmatic advice to her clients, assisting them to achieve commercial and fair outcomes.

Rachel also has experience in education law, representing both independent and state schools on matters including enrolment agreements, school policies, student disciplinary issues, student human rights claims, as well as school staff issues.

Leo Donnelly, ONZM

Barrister
Education Law NZ
Leo Donnelly, ONZM is a former Ombudsman of New Zealand and is one of New Zealand’s leading experts in his specialist areas of Education Law, Information Law, Privacy Law and Public Law. As an Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman and a senior investigator at the Office of the Ombudsman, Leo spent 3 decades investigating and reviewing complaints about the administrative actions and procedures of state sector organisations and recommending resolutions to promote fair, just and transparent delivery of services to the public. This involved assessing individual actions and omissions in the context of an organisation’s systems and culture and statutory responsibilities. Leo brings governance and strategy expertise and wide experience in complaint handling and dispute resolution. Leo’s specialist skills and experience include identifying practical solutions within the law that satisfactorily resolve complaints by individuals who believe they have been treated in an unreasonable, unjust, oppressive or improperly discriminatory manner. In his Deputy Ombudsman and Ombudsman roles, Leo was an advocate for citizens seeking redress where they had been treated unfairly or where they had no voice and needed assistance in speaking truth to power. In the last 5 years in private practice and now as a Barrister, Leo continues to provide advocacy and legal advice in his specialist areas. He is also available to undertake investigations and assist clients in gaining the best advantage in Official Information, LGOIMA and Privacy Act requests and in pursuing or responding to complaints with the Ombudsman, Privacy Commissioner, Health and Disability Commissioner and claims in the Human Rights Review Tribunal. Leo has an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List. Leo is a member of the Executive Committee of the NZ Chapter of the Australia New Zealand Education Law Association (ANZELA) and is the General Secretary of the Oceania Karate Federation and Secretary of Karate Auckland. Leo is of NZ/Japanese ethnicity and holds an 8th Dan Black Belt in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate.

Rose-Anne London

Senior Advisor | Relationships and Pathways
Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Rose-Anne London tōku ingoa

He kaiako ahau

Ko au tētahi o ngā Tohutohu Mātua mō te Matatū o Aotearoa

Rose-Anne started her teaching experience in a part time role in Papaioea. This led to a love of teaching and a career including professional leader roles across early childhood services throughout Kāpiti and Whanganui-ā-Tara. Currently residing in Whanganui-ā-Tara, Rose-Anne is a Senior Advisor, in the Relationship and Engagement team at the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Mai Chen

Barrister
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.

Joy Walpole Williams

Associate
Heaney & Partners

Joy holds a BA/LLB from the University of Auckland and was admitted to the Bar in 2018. She has a strong background in employment, privacy, and aviation law, with extensive experience in collective bargaining and advocacy. Joy is known for her strategic, solution-focused approach and excellence in mediation. Passionate about community engagement and achieving positive outcomes, she joined our civil litigation team in May 2023.

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Workshop

SEPARATELY BOOKABLE WORKSHOP

Managing Performance, Complaints and Fair Process: Legal Essentials and Best Practice for Principals

16 June, 2026 | 3.15 pm - 5.45 pm | Auckland Crowne Plaza

This workshop would equip principals with the practical and legal knowledge needed to manage staff performance concerns and complaints fairly, confidently, and lawfully. It would focus on good process, documentation, natural justice, key risk areas, and best-practice approaches to difficult people matters in a school environment.

Why this matters for principals

  • Understanding the legal and employment framework
  • Distinguishing performance issues, misconduct, and complaints
  • Identifying and addressing performance concerns early
  • Informal support vs formal performance management
  • Handling complaints fairly and appropriately
  • Applying natural justice and fair process in practice
  • Managing difficult conversations and meetings well
  • Documentation, evidence, and communication best practice
  • Common mistakes, legal risks, and how to avoid them
  • Working through practical school-based scenarios
  • Key takeaways and good practice for school leaders
BOOK WORKSHOP

Jessica Higgins

Senior Associate

Anderson Lloyd

Two conferences, Wellington [10-11 June] & Auckland [15-16 June]

Register your interest

Wellington

Auckland

Workshop

Individual Tickets - WELLINGTON

Pre-Sale

$1699
$ 1199 +gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 13 March 2026.
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$1699
$ 1399 +gst
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$1699
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$ 1699 +gst
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$ 1200 Price Per Person +gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at the same time. For valid tickets, register by 10 June 2026.
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$ 1100 Price Per Person +gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at the same time. For valid tickets, register by 10 June 2026.
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$1699
$ 1199 +gst
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$ 1399 +gst
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$ 1699 +gst
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  • Must be from same organisation and book at the same time. For valid tickets, register by 15 June 2026.
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WORKSHOP (separately bookable) in Auckland on 16 June 2026

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$ 599 +gst
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Ticket Terms

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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.
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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.

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Conference Bundle

Finance and Accounting Bundle:
Management Accountant Conference & IFRS Masterclass

$ 1999 +gst
  • Same person must attend both events. For valid ticket, payment by 26 February 2025.
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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 - Wellington

Te Papa Tongarewa, 55 Cable Stree,t Te Aro, Wellington

Venue - Auckland

Crowne Plaza, 128 Albert Street, Auckland CBD

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)

Mai Chen, Barrister, Mai Chen Barrister

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

Rose-Anne London, Tohutohu Mātua | Senior Advisor,Relationships & engagement, Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

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

Karen Feint KC, Thorndon Chambers

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

David Traylor, Partner , Dundas Street

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

Mark Ambler, General Manager, 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

Madeleine Hawkesby, Special Counsel , Duncan Cotterill

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

Fiona McMillan, Partner, Lane Neave

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

John Channer, Principal , Fraser Cres School

Paula Weston, Principal , Greytown School

Barri Dullabh, Principal , Tawa School

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

Meredith Kennett, President, NZ School Boards Association

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

Dr Michael Johnston, Senior Fellow, The New Zealand Initiative

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

Jane Searle, Chief Execitive Officer, Child Matters

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

14:30

Student discipline in Schools: Getting the investigation and fair process right

  • Understanding the legal thresholds for stand-downs, suspensions, and exclusions, and determining the appropriate disciplinary response in different situations

  • Conducting a fair and proportionate investigation by gathering relevant facts, speaking with those involved, and ensuring decisions are evidence-based.

  • Applying procedural fairness by providing clear notice of concerns, sharing relevant information, and giving the student and their whānau a genuine opportunity to respond.

  • Supporting lawful outcomes through careful documentation, clear reasoning, and sound board decision-making to reduce the risk of complaints or legal challenges.

James Cowan, Partner, Anderson Lloyd

15:00

Summary remarks from the Chair & End of Conference

Back to top

8:30

Registration and Coffee

8:45

Mihi Whakatau

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Steve Dunsmore, Principal , Horsham Downs School

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)

Mai Chen, Barrister, Mai Chen Barrister

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

Rose-Anne London, Tohutohu Mātua | Senior Advisor,Relationships & engagement, Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

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

Tania Waikato, Special Counsel, Tamaki Legal

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

Joy Walpole Williams , Associate, Heaney & Partners

Dew James Powys, Senior Solicitor, Heaney & Partners

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

Mark Ambler, General Manager, 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

Joseph Williams, Barrister, Joe William Barrister

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

  • Student misuse of social media and whether the school has jurisdiction to take disciplinary action

  • Staff use of social media and how much control a school has over this.

  • How to respond to difficult parents on social media.

Gretchen Stone, Partner, Harrison Stone

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

Fiona McMillan, Partner, Lane Neave

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

Chris May, Principal, Tauwhare School

Dale Burden, Principal , Howick College

Claire Amos, Principal, Albany Senior High School

Steve Dunsmore, Principal , Horsham Downs School

17:00

Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks

Steve Dunsmore, Principal , Horsham Downs School

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

Meredith Kennett, President, NZ School Boards Association

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

Dr Michael Johnston, Senior Fellow, The New Zealand Initiative

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

Jane Searle, Chief Execitive Officer, Child Matters

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

Student discipline in Schools: Getting the investigation and fair process right

  • Understanding the legal thresholds for stand-downs, suspensions, and exclusions, and determining the appropriate disciplinary response in different situations

  • Conducting a fair and proportionate investigation by gathering relevant facts, speaking with those involved, and ensuring decisions are evidence-based.

  • Applying procedural fairness by providing clear notice of concerns, sharing relevant information, and giving the student and their whānau a genuine opportunity to respond.

  • Supporting lawful outcomes through careful documentation, clear reasoning, and sound board decision-making to reduce the risk of complaints or legal challenges.

James Cowan , Partner , Anderson Lloyd

15:00

Summary remarks from the Chair & End of Conference

Steve Dunsmore, Principal , Horsham Downs School

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Speakers
(To be announced in the future)

Speakers - Wellington

Mark Ambler

General Manager
The People Practice
My name is Mark Ambler, and I am the GM of The People Practice based in the fabulous Coromandel Peninsula. We are not a human resources organisation. We are a human responses organisation. We deal with the behavioural aspect of people in business and work through the lenses of trauma and violence informed practice. Helping business owners and operators to deal with problematic behaviour in the workplace is what we do best. I hold a master’s degree in applied management, and I have worked in the fields of addiction and family violence for over a decade. I sit on a few Boards of social service organisations and thoroughly enjoy working with people.

James Cowan

Partner
Anderson Lloyd
James is a Partner in Anderson Lloyd’s employment team, specialising in workplace law and disputes. James has specialist expertise in conducting and advising on investigations, including those involving allegations of fraud, conflicts of interest, bullying, harassment, and corruption. He is frequently engaged to either conduct investigations or to provide strategic advice to organisations managing sensitive or contentious matters.

Karen Feint

KC,
Thorndon Chambers
Karen is a highly experienced advocate who takes a principled but pragmatic approach to securing the right outcome for her clients. She has a wide-ranging civil litigation and public law practice, with particular expertise at the interface of Crown and Māori relations – constitutional law, judicial review, equity, indigenous rights, and Treaty of Waitangi law. Karen has appeared as counsel before all levels of the New Zealand courts and in specialist jurisdictions such as the Waitangi Tribunal.
Karen was appointed a Queen’s Counsel in 2019. She has been a barrister at Thorndon Chambers for over ten years, having previously worked at two national law firms. She has a BA/ LLB (First Class Honours) from the University of Otago, and a LLM from the University of Toronto, Canada.

Barri Dullabh

Principal
Tawa School
Barri Dullabh has been an educator for 30+ years where he has held various teaching roles and leadership positions and has been Principal at Tawa School since July 2018. He believes our schools should be places where our ākonga thrive as learners and as young people.The people who contribute to making this happen are our tumuaki and kaiako. He is a member of the WRPPA Executive team where he sees it as an opportunity to share his perspectives and knowledge to support principals across our region while also learning from others and growing in the Principal role himself. He acknowledge the challenges, complexity and diversity of this position, while also celebrating the wins, successes and positive impacts we make on and with our school communities. When our Principals, leaders and teachers thrive, our schools thrive. Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective

Paula Weston

Principal
Greytown School
Having been in education for over 20 years and 15 years as principal of 3 different kura, I’d like to say I’ve developed some wisdom that helps me to navigate the day to day and the out of ordinary challenges of school leadership.  Like all principals, being the leader of learning alongside the “guru” of all things HR, property and health and safety, wearing many hats makes our job eternally interesting.

John Channer

Principal
Fraser Cres School

Meredith Kennett

President
NZ School Boards Association

Madeleine Hawkesby

Special Counsel
Duncan Cotterill
Madeleine is a lawyer in the Christchurch employment law team. Her expertise covers all aspects of employment law, from disciplinary process, performance management, incapacity, investigations, restructuring, drafting employment agreements and policies, and mediations.
She is a trusted industry expert in the education sector where she advises not only on employment law matters but also has experience in privacy law, parent complaints, health and safety, student disciplinary matters, ombudsmen investigations, Official Information Act requests, independent investigations, performance appraisal, school governance and conflict resolution. She has been appointed by the Ministry of Education as a Limited Statutory Manager or Commissioner in a number of schools. She has developed a unique and in-depth understanding of the school environment and the complex legal issues faced, and most importantly how to successfully navigate them. Madeleine has also built a reputation as an independent investigator for high profile, sensitive and complex issues. She is an Associate of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand Inc, and has developed particular expertise in mediating and facilitating conflict resolution solutions between employees. She is also a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.

David Traylor

Partner
Dundas Street

Rachel Nightingale

Senior Associate
Simpson Grierson

Rachel has a broad range of experience in employment law matters, including advising on all types of personal grievance claims (including in respect of interim reinstatement applications in the Employment Relations Authority), disciplinary and performance concerns, and restructuring.

Rachel is focused on providing strategic and pragmatic advice to her clients, assisting them to achieve commercial and fair outcomes.

Rachel also has experience in education law, representing both independent and state schools on matters including enrolment agreements, school policies, student disciplinary issues, student human rights claims, as well as school staff issues.

Leo Donnelly, ONZM

Barrister
Education Law NZ
Leo Donnelly, ONZM is a former Ombudsman of New Zealand and is one of New Zealand’s leading experts in his specialist areas of Education Law, Information Law, Privacy Law and Public Law. As an Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman and a senior investigator at the Office of the Ombudsman, Leo spent 3 decades investigating and reviewing complaints about the administrative actions and procedures of state sector organisations and recommending resolutions to promote fair, just and transparent delivery of services to the public. This involved assessing individual actions and omissions in the context of an organisation’s systems and culture and statutory responsibilities. Leo brings governance and strategy expertise and wide experience in complaint handling and dispute resolution. Leo’s specialist skills and experience include identifying practical solutions within the law that satisfactorily resolve complaints by individuals who believe they have been treated in an unreasonable, unjust, oppressive or improperly discriminatory manner. In his Deputy Ombudsman and Ombudsman roles, Leo was an advocate for citizens seeking redress where they had been treated unfairly or where they had no voice and needed assistance in speaking truth to power. In the last 5 years in private practice and now as a Barrister, Leo continues to provide advocacy and legal advice in his specialist areas. He is also available to undertake investigations and assist clients in gaining the best advantage in Official Information, LGOIMA and Privacy Act requests and in pursuing or responding to complaints with the Ombudsman, Privacy Commissioner, Health and Disability Commissioner and claims in the Human Rights Review Tribunal. Leo has an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List. Leo is a member of the Executive Committee of the NZ Chapter of the Australia New Zealand Education Law Association (ANZELA) and is the General Secretary of the Oceania Karate Federation and Secretary of Karate Auckland. Leo is of NZ/Japanese ethnicity and holds an 8th Dan Black Belt in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate.

Rose-Anne London

Senior Advisor | Relationships and Pathways
Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Rose-Anne London tōku ingoa

He kaiako ahau

Ko au tētahi o ngā Tohutohu Mātua mō te Matatū o Aotearoa

Rose-Anne started her teaching experience in a part time role in Papaioea. This led to a love of teaching and a career including professional leader roles across early childhood services throughout Kāpiti and Whanganui-ā-Tara. Currently residing in Whanganui-ā-Tara, Rose-Anne is a Senior Advisor, in the Relationship and Engagement team at the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Speakers - Auckland

Mark Ambler

General Manager
The People Practice
My name is Mark Ambler, and I am the GM of The People Practice based in the fabulous Coromandel Peninsula. We are not a human resources organisation. We are a human responses organisation. We deal with the behavioural aspect of people in business and work through the lenses of trauma and violence informed practice. Helping business owners and operators to deal with problematic behaviour in the workplace is what we do best. I hold a master’s degree in applied management, and I have worked in the fields of addiction and family violence for over a decade. I sit on a few Boards of social service organisations and thoroughly enjoy working with people.

James Cowan

Partner
Anderson Lloyd
James is a Partner in Anderson Lloyd’s employment team, specialising in workplace law and disputes. James has specialist expertise in conducting and advising on investigations, including those involving allegations of fraud, conflicts of interest, bullying, harassment, and corruption. He is frequently engaged to either conduct investigations or to provide strategic advice to organisations managing sensitive or contentious matters.

Dale Burden

Principal
Howick College

Claire Amos

Principal
Albany Senior High School
Claire is the Principal at Albany Senior High School, Katoa Connect Member, William Pike Challenge Advisory Board Member, Aotearoa Education Collective Member, and co-founder of  @DisruptEDNZ. She is passionate about family, thrifting, skating, tattoos and leading change in education, living by the mantra – “you can never be overdressed or overeducated”.  

Meredith Kennett

President
NZ School Boards Association

Joseph Williams

Barrister
Joe William Barrister
Prior to joining the bar, Joe was a Senior Associate at Duncan Cotterill, one of New Zealand’s largest national law firms. In 2024, he was named a ‘Rising star’ in New Zealand employment law by Doyle’s international guide. ​Joe has a wide and varied range of experience, acting for individuals, small to medium businesses, large charitable trusts, schools, listed companies and multi-national corporations.​ ​With experience at a leading national law firm and as a Crown Prosecutor in both Auckland and Hamilton, and regular appearances in the District Court, High Court, Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court, Joe is an accomplished and effective litigator and advocate for his clients. ​In addition to in-court representation, Joe provides tailored and pragmatic employment law advice, workplace dispute resolution, and guidance through complex investigations, for employees, charitable organisations and businesses seeking a trusted employment law advisor. ​Joe is available to assist clients across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions, including Hamilton, Tauranga, Matamata, Taupō, and Rotorua.

Tania Waikato

Special Counsel
Tamaki Legal

Rachel Nightingale

Senior Associate
Simpson Grierson

Rachel has a broad range of experience in employment law matters, including advising on all types of personal grievance claims (including in respect of interim reinstatement applications in the Employment Relations Authority), disciplinary and performance concerns, and restructuring.

Rachel is focused on providing strategic and pragmatic advice to her clients, assisting them to achieve commercial and fair outcomes.

Rachel also has experience in education law, representing both independent and state schools on matters including enrolment agreements, school policies, student disciplinary issues, student human rights claims, as well as school staff issues.

Leo Donnelly, ONZM

Barrister
Education Law NZ
Leo Donnelly, ONZM is a former Ombudsman of New Zealand and is one of New Zealand’s leading experts in his specialist areas of Education Law, Information Law, Privacy Law and Public Law. As an Ombudsman, Deputy Ombudsman and a senior investigator at the Office of the Ombudsman, Leo spent 3 decades investigating and reviewing complaints about the administrative actions and procedures of state sector organisations and recommending resolutions to promote fair, just and transparent delivery of services to the public. This involved assessing individual actions and omissions in the context of an organisation’s systems and culture and statutory responsibilities. Leo brings governance and strategy expertise and wide experience in complaint handling and dispute resolution. Leo’s specialist skills and experience include identifying practical solutions within the law that satisfactorily resolve complaints by individuals who believe they have been treated in an unreasonable, unjust, oppressive or improperly discriminatory manner. In his Deputy Ombudsman and Ombudsman roles, Leo was an advocate for citizens seeking redress where they had been treated unfairly or where they had no voice and needed assistance in speaking truth to power. In the last 5 years in private practice and now as a Barrister, Leo continues to provide advocacy and legal advice in his specialist areas. He is also available to undertake investigations and assist clients in gaining the best advantage in Official Information, LGOIMA and Privacy Act requests and in pursuing or responding to complaints with the Ombudsman, Privacy Commissioner, Health and Disability Commissioner and claims in the Human Rights Review Tribunal. Leo has an LLB from Victoria University of Wellington and was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List. Leo is a member of the Executive Committee of the NZ Chapter of the Australia New Zealand Education Law Association (ANZELA) and is the General Secretary of the Oceania Karate Federation and Secretary of Karate Auckland. Leo is of NZ/Japanese ethnicity and holds an 8th Dan Black Belt in Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate.

Rose-Anne London

Senior Advisor | Relationships and Pathways
Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

Tēnā koutou katoa

Ko Rose-Anne London tōku ingoa

He kaiako ahau

Ko au tētahi o ngā Tohutohu Mātua mō te Matatū o Aotearoa

Rose-Anne started her teaching experience in a part time role in Papaioea. This led to a love of teaching and a career including professional leader roles across early childhood services throughout Kāpiti and Whanganui-ā-Tara. Currently residing in Whanganui-ā-Tara, Rose-Anne is a Senior Advisor, in the Relationship and Engagement team at the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Mai Chen

Barrister
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.

Joy Walpole Williams

Associate
Heaney & Partners

Joy holds a BA/LLB from the University of Auckland and was admitted to the Bar in 2018. She has a strong background in employment, privacy, and aviation law, with extensive experience in collective bargaining and advocacy. Joy is known for her strategic, solution-focused approach and excellence in mediation. Passionate about community engagement and achieving positive outcomes, she joined our civil litigation team in May 2023.

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Workshop
(To be announced)

Separately Bookable Workshop
in Auckland on 12 June - 2.45 p.m - 5.30 p.m

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MANAGING COMPLAINTS & ESCALATIONS IN SCHOOLS:

A step-by-step legal and governance guide for NZ school leaders – when to act and when to seek legal expertise

Learning Objectives:

Understanding the legal and governance framework in NZ education

Importance of effective complaint management in schools

Understanding types of complaints in schools (student, parent, staff, community)

Differentiating between minor concerns and serious complaints

The role of policies and procedures in managing complaints

Key legal obligations and responsibilities of school leaders

Understanding step by step complaint resolution framework

– Initial Response & Acknowledgment
– Investigation & Documentation
– Resolution & Decision-Making

Managing high risk situations and identifying red flags for escalation

Handling aggressive or persistent complainants

Managing social media complaints and public scrutiny

Recognising legal risks and governance issues and understanding when to seek legal advice

Understanding the role of the school board and external legal advisors

Workshop Facilitator: Fi McMillan, Special Counsel, Anderson Lloyd

Fi McMillan

Special Counsel

Anderson Lloyd

Fi specialises 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. She has also worked on a Secondary school Board, and on the Board of a University Residential College.

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