⚠️ Our phones are currently down. Please email us at info@brightstar.co.nz and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We apologise for the inconvenience.

21-22 Oct 2025 | Crowne Plaza, Auckland

buy ticket
register your interest

7th Annual The NZ School Leaders' Summit

Leading with Purpose: Building Resilient, Inclusive and Future-Focused Schools

The New Zealand School Leaders Summit 2025 brings together educational leaders from across Aotearoa to explore collaboration, innovation, and effective practice. Designed as a platform for principals, school leadership team members, policymakers, and educators, the summit provides space to share insights and tackle the sector’s most urgent challenges.

This year, the summit’s theme, “Leading with Purpose: Building Resilient, Inclusive and Future-Focused Schools,” highlights the pivotal role of school leaders in navigating reform, embracing new technologies, and strengthening community connections. It underscores the importance of courageous, values-based leadership that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi, champions student and staff wellbeing, and building resilience in the face of rapid change.

Through sessions on workforce capability, AI and digital ethics, governance, and innovation, the summit empowers leaders to create more equitable and future-ready schools.

NZ map with schools pinned

2025 Key Topics

  • Leading for impact: Resilient schools, empowered staff
  • Leading with integrity – Te Tiriti at the governance table
  • Building community resilience
  • Building board partnerships to navigate risk
  • Health and safety leadership: Protecting people, preventing risk
  • Managing conflict with confidence
  • Managing staff performance, building capability and workforce pipeline
  • Ethics, AI & digital strategy in education
  • Innovative resource management in schools
  • Leading through crisis – Communication and contingency
  • Managing wellbeing in schools

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2025

Our 2025 key lineup brings together influential leaders, clinicians, and innovators driving change in mental health. 
Check out more today.

View speakers

Shae Ronald

Chief Executive

Youthline

Clive Aspin

Associate Professor

School of Health
Victoria University of Wellington

Maree Guerin

Clinical Implementation Lead IPMHA South Canterbury

Health New Zealand

Connect with peers over practical & actionable insights.

Connect

An opportunity for school leaders to step out of the day-to-day and reconnect with their purpose, their peers, and the future of education in Aotearoa.

Gain insights

Access critical and practical information to help overcome challenges school leaders are facing, from experts and thought leaders at the forefront of education.

Be inspired for the future

Be inspired to encourage future-focused approach in schooling and remain adaptable/flexible in change for 2025 and beyond.

teachers

Who is this conference for?

  • Principal / Headmaster / Head teacher 
  • Deputy Principal / Assistant Principal 
  • Board Member / Trustee 
  • Academic Leader / Director 
  • Head of Department / Faculty 
  • Curriculum Leader 
  • Senior / Leader
  • Professionals in the education sector / services 

Just announced - AI strategy workshop for school leaders

A practical 1-day workshop to equip Principals and Senior Leaders of New Zealand primary and secondary schools or kura with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to lead the development of a future-focused digital strategy that incorporates AI.

With a strong focus on governance, this session explores the opportunities, limitations, and risks of AI, and provides hands-on experience with leading AI tools to support effective planning, policy development, and engagement with your school board and community.

Learn more

Add Your Heading Text Here

We are currently working on the programme and agenda. 
If you would like to have input into our research programme please email xxxx@brightstar.co.nz 

Add Your Heading Text Here

Sub-heading

Date or content

Sub-heading

Date or content

Sub-heading

Date or content

Sub-heading

Date or content

Sub-heading

Date or content

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Address

Crowne Plaza, Auckland
128 Albert Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010

Agenda

Agenda to be announced

Download agenda

8:30

Registration and Coffee

8:50

Mihi Whakatau 

9:00

Welcoming remarks from from Chair

9:10

Ministerial Address: Leading the Future: Innovation, Resilience and Equity in Education

  • The future of education in New Zealand: top priorities

  • The role of strong, inclusive leadership in driving school success

Minister under invitation

9:25

Implementing Te Mātaiaho – Curriculum Reform Update

  • Implementing a knowledge-rich and future focused curriculum

  • Investing in STEAM education and curriculum alignment


9:45

School Leaders’ Panel - Leading for Impact: Resilient Schools, Empowered Staff

  • Upholding values of integrity, equity, and inclusivity in decision-making  

  • Fostering a positive culture for the whole school community

  • Strategies for navigating uncertainty and constant change

Chris May, Principal, Tauwhare School

Billie-Jean Potaka-Ayton MNZM, Principal, Kaiti School

More panellists to be announced

10:30

Morning break

People, Place and Community

11:00

Leading with Integrity – Te Tiriti at the Governance Table 

  • Exploring how school boards can give meaningful effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in  governance, decision-making, and strategic planning

  • Practical approaches for building cultural capability, honouring partnerships with mana whenua, and ensuring equitable outcomes for Māori learners

11:40

Leading Change with Confidence: A Community Based Approach

  • Explore how to confidently lead change in response to government mandates and policies

  • Tailoring initiatives to fit your school’s unique context and community

Sheryll Ofner MNZM, Principal, Selwyn College

12:20

Table discussion - Building Resilience in Your Community

  • Strategies for fostering strong, connected school communities that can adapt and thrive in the face of adversity

12:30

Lunch

Governance and Mitigating Risk

13:30

Stronger Together: Building Board Partnerships to Navigate Risk

  • Building a strong relationship with your new board

  • Strengthening collaboration between school leaders and boards to effectively manage, communicate and mitigate risk

Belinda Weber, Chief Advisor Governance, Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa | New Zealand School Boards Association

14:10

Leading Through Crisis – Communication and Contingency

  • Building trust and confidence through transparent, timely, and culturally responsive communication

  • Engaging with whānau, iwi, and community partners as part of a collective crisis response

Karen Smith, Director, The Education Group

14:50

Table discussion: Mitigating Risk for Your Context

15:00

Afternoon break

Managing People and Practice

15:30

Managing Performance with Confidence: Legal Guidance on Discipline, Competency, and Wellbeing

  • Understand the legal frameworks and best practices for addressing staff performance concerns, including misconduct, underperformance, and health-related issues.

  • Managing sensitive employment issues fairly within employment law obligations

Gretchen Stone, Partner, Harrison & Stone

15:50

Capability in Action: Navigating the 2026 Standards, Induction, and Professional Growth

  • Unpacking the 2026 Standards and their role in shaping professional practice

  • Revisiting the Professional Growth Cycle as a foundation for ongoing development

  • Exploring changes to induction and mentoring to strengthen capability, leadership, and retention

Rose-Anne London, Senior Advisor, Teaching Council of New Zealand

16:10

Building Leadership Capability: Addressing Psychosocial Risk with Confidence

  • Identifying, understanding and managing psychosocial risks in the workplace 

  • Effectively delivering leadership support and responding to psychosocial risks in schools

  • Impact on staff retention and whole school performance of creating a psychologically safe workplace

16:30

Interactive panel Q&A

Bringing together the experts from the previous presentations, this panel discussion will allow the speakers and audience to dive deeper into the challenges schools are facing in staff attraction, retention and capability building.

17:15

Summary remarks from the Chair & Networking Drinks

8:00

Registration and Coffee

9:00

Welcoming remarks from the Chair

Digital strategy, AI & Ethics

9:10

Future Ready: Leading Whole-School AI Integration

  • Practical insights into how school leaders can design and lead AI integration through a strong governance framework

  • Drawing from on-the-ground experience, explore how to align AI adoption with school values, safeguard wellbeing and academic integrity, build staff capability, and engage the wider school community

  • Highlight key governance considerations including policy development, risk management, consent, and ethical implementation at scale

Susana Tomaz, Futures Education and AI Lead, Westlake Girls High School and Fellow of IRCAI (International Research Centre for AI) UNESCO

9:40

Panel: Leading the shift: Ethics and digital strategy in education

  • The role of AI in teaching, learning, and administration

  • Navigating ethical concerns around AI use, data, and student privacy

  • Ensuring equity and access in a tech-rich learning environment


Session Chair: Dr Rod Lane, Director of Learning and Innovation, Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa | New Zealand School Boards Association


Panellists:

Dr Geri Harris, Director of Business Undergraduate Programme and Senior Lecturer, Auckland University of Technology

Dr Tim Gander, Executive Director, Education Partnership & Innovation Trust (EPIT)

Susana Tomaz, Futures Education and AI Lead, Westlake Girls High School and Fellow of IRCAI (International Research Centre for AI) UNESCO

Brendon Shaw, Educator, Papatoetoe North School and PHD student, University of Waikato

10:30

Morning break

Resource innovation and fundraising

11:00

Smart Spending: Innovative Resource Management in Schools

  • Innovative strategies for maximising limited resources to support student learning, staff development, and wellbeing

  • Real-world examples of flexible, future-focused budgeting aligned with school priorities and community needs

11:30

Interactive session Leadership in Action: Exploring your impact

  • Discover how leadership decisions shape school culture, staff engagement, and student outcomes through real-world examples and interactive discussion.

  • Reflect on your personal leadership style and explore strategies to maximise your influence in driving positive and sustainable change.

Cherie Chu-Fuluifaga, Associate Professor- School of Education, Victoria University of Wellington

12:30

Lunch

Leading with Heart

13:30

Mini Masterclass - Decoding the Stress Response: What Neuroscience Tells Us

  • Understanding the brain-body system, with regard to the stress response activation

  • How emotional stress can directly impact our physical and mental health

  • Tips and tricks to recognise and reduce the impact stress can have on us

Kathryn Berkett, Neuroscientist, ENGAGE

14:55

Summary remarks from the Chair

15:00

Conference close

Back to top

Speakers

Speakers to be announced

Brendon Shaw

Educator, Papatoetoe North School
PHD student, University of Waikato
Brendon Shaw is a Primary and Tertiary educator, co-founder of the New Zealand AI Education Community of Practice and PHD student researching effective AI implementation and use in Aotearoa schools. Brendon bridges hands-on, classroom-based practice with knowledge of the most current research and trends in AIED and works alongside AI focused educators across practice, research and policy groups. He is particularly interested in exploring ways AI can be introduced responsibly within indigenous spaces, ensuring these technologies honour and preserve the cultural, social, and linguistic integrity of Māori and uphold the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Sheryll Ofner MNZM

Principal
Selwyn College
Sheryll Ofner is Principal of Selwyn College. Her leadership and passion for the art and science of learning was previously influential in her roles in History curriculum and assessment at national and international levels. It has also been critical to the dramatic turn-around of Selwyn College. Selwyn’s students learn to become ‘Selwise’ about the game of learning; equipped with the knowledge, skills and attributes for effective lifelong learning. Sheryll has presented this cutting-edge work, with its focus on preparing students for the 21st century, in a range of countries. She been awarded a Woolf Fisher Fellowship to Harvard University and this year received an MNZM honour for services to education.

Billie-Jean Potaka-Ayton MNZM

Principal
Kaiti School
Billie-Jean Potaka Ayton MNZM – Ngati Whakaue is Principal at Kaiti School in Te Tairāwhiti catering for years 1-8 students in Bilingual and Mainstream pathways. She has been principal there for 16 years, moving the school from a roll with a 10 year trend of roll decline and several cycles of surplus staffing to a thriving place of learning for over 420 pupils. Billie-Jean has led the school through several phases of change in property, revisioning, curriculum design, whanau engagement and partnerships. Kaiti School is the only Whānau ora school in Aotearoa. Her leadership style comes from her grandparents who were instrumental in her early life and education.  She has served on the ERO Principals Advisory group, is a ERO leadership partner, was awarded the Woolf Fisher Fellowship in 2019 and is a Board member of Te Uru Amokura – The Springboard Trust. She is a Kiwifruit Orchardist serving the interests of her whānau on several Trusts in this industry.  Billie-Jean was recently honoured in the Kings New Years honours list with an MNZM for services to Māori and Education.

Dr Gerri Harris

Programme Director for Business Undergraduate Studies and Senior Lecturer
Auckland University of Technology
Dr Geri Harris is Programme Director for Business Undergraduate Studies, a senior lecturer in information systems, and Auckland University of Technology’s ‘Educator of the Year 2025’. With a PhD in Information Systems and a background in business process consulting, Geri bridges academia and industry to explore how emerging technologies can transform business and society. A passionate educator and AI advocate, she leads national conversations on the future of technology in education, inspiring collaboration, innovation, and ethical tech adoption.

Dr Tim Gander

Executive Director
Education Partnership & Innovation Trust (EPIT)
Dr Tim Gander is the Executive Director of the Education Partnership & Innovation Trust (EPIT), where he leads cross-sector, equity-focused initiatives that connect communities, fund and support innovative programmes, and embed evaluation to ensure lasting impact. Previously Postgraduate Director at AcademyEX (formerly The Mind Lab), Tim has worked alongside educators across Aotearoa for more than a decade, championing practice-based research and equitable, thoughtful technology integration.
He is the founder and editor-in-chief of the peer-reviewed, bilingual journal He Rourou and host of The Impact Series podcast, which amplify practitioner knowledge and innovation in education. His recent empirical research examines how artificial intelligence can be used in assessment, with a particular focus on AI’s potential to support inclusive approaches to learning and assessment design.

Susana Tomaz

Futures Education and AI Lead, Westlake Girls High School
Fellow of IRCAI (International Research Centre for AI) of UNESCO

Susana works at the intersection of AI, curriculum design, and future-focused education. With over 20 years’ experience across three education systems, she brings deep expertise in pedagogical leadership, educational innovation, and system-wide change. As Futures Education and AI Lead at Westlake Girls’ High School, she leads strategic, school-wide AI integration grounded in a human-centric and pedagogically informed approach.  A Fellow of the International Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) under the auspices of UNESCO, she contributes to national and global initiatives, including the Aotearoa AI Blueprint for Education, EdTechNZ’s stewardship group, and the Open Education for a Better World programme. Susana also mentors educators globally through the Asia-Europe Foundation, supporting the integration of AI into learning design and teaching practice.

Susana also led Westlake’s OECD-recognised STEAM programme. With a Master’s in Technological Futures specialising in AI in education, and a practitioner’s lens, she brings a unique ability to bridge policy and practice in meaningful, context-driven ways.

Belinda Weber

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

Dr Rod Lane

Director of Learning and Innovation
Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa | New Zealand School Boards Association
Dr Rod Lane is the Director of Learning and Innovation at the NZ School Boards Association (NZSBA). A former Associate Professor and Head of Learning and Teaching at Macquarie University (Sydney), he draws upon two decades of leadership in curriculum design, assessment, and educational technology to support school leaders in their crucial management and governance roles.

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 xperience 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.

Karen Smith

Director
The Education Group
Karen Smith joined The Education Group as a Director in January 2025, bringing nearly 30 years of leadership experience in New Zealand secondary education. Most recently, she served as Tumuaki of Whangārei Boys’ High School, where she focused on achieving equitable outcomes for Māori students and led a full school rebuild. Karen has worked in both co-educational and single-sex schools across the North and South Islands and has deep connections with leaders nationwide.
Her leadership roles include Chair of Te Mānihi Tumuaki (Northland Principals’ Association), and membership in the International Boys’ Schools Coalition and the Association of Boys’ Schools New Zealand. She also serves on the board of The R. Tucker Thompson – Northland’s tall ship.
Karen brings expertise in shifting school culture, strategic planning, boys’ education, coaching and mentoring, leading high-functioning teams, property development, and health and safety. Her reflective, practical leadership style will add real value to our support for schools and leaders.

Kathryn Berkett

Neuroscience Trainer
ENGAGE
Kathryn has her Masters in Educational Psychology, and has certified as a Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics practitioner with Dr Perry.  Kathryn has extensive experience in understanding how trauma can impact on development.  She has worked and trained, nationally and internationally, on the subject of neuroscience for over twenty years, delivering to a variety of organisations including:  the Police; Oranga Tamariki; Teachers; Corrections; Parents; Recreation Groups; Mental Health Professionals; NZ Rugby; and Corporates.  Kathryn also has a TEDx talk titled: ‘Neuroscience of Device Zombies’.

Chris May

Principal
Tauwhare School
Chris May is the Principal of Tauwhare School, bringing nearly two decades of dedicated experience to the education sector. A profound advocate for innovative learning methodologies, Chris is particularly passionate about boys’ education, a field in which he has made significant contributions. Chris is the author of two books on boys’ education, sharing his insights and practical strategies for fostering engagement and success among male students. His commitment to this area extends to the development and implementation of impactful boys’ programmes, which he has championed since 2010. The effectiveness and positive influence of these initiatives were notably featured on TVNZ’s “Good Sorts,” a testament to their success and broader community impact. Beyond his literary contributions and programmatic leadership, Chris is on the Executive Committee of the Waikato Principal Association. Chris is a sought-after speaker and thought leader on contemporary educational challenges and solutions. His expertise encompasses curriculum development, student well-being, and fostering inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse needs. Chris is dedicated to shaping the future of education by empowering both educators and students to reach their full potential, driven by a belief that every child deserves an exceptional learning journey.

Sponsors

Sponsors to be announced

Gold Sponsor

Umbrella Wellbeing

Silver sponsors

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

Exhibitors

Qizzle

Kai’s Education

Umbrella Wellbeing

Umbrella Wellbeing

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

Live B2B events are your chance to shine. Showcase your thought leadership, solidify your market position, and forge valuable connections with potential customers – all at once.

This exclusive event puts you in front of a highly skilled audience hungry for insights. Get ready for meaningful engagement that drives results.

Plus, we have some unique opportunities to put your company, products, and services in the spotlight.

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

Why you should invest in audience marketing
CT105

Leading AI and Digital Strategy

For School Principals & Senior Leaders in Education

SEPARATELY BOOKABLE FULL DAY WORKSHOP

Learn more
POST CONFERENCE

Workshop title goes here

XX XXX 2025 | 9.00am - 12.30pm

This workshop you will cover:

  • Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
  • Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
  • Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
  • Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
  • Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
  • Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
  • Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Buy your ticket

Speaker Photo

Job Title

Company Name

Tickets

Double Pass

$ 900 PRICE PER PERSON + gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at the same time. For valid tickets, payment by 21 October, 2025.
Buy ticket

Super Saver

$1750
$ 1450 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 3 September, 2025.
Buy ticket

Early Bird

$1750
$ 1650 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 23 September, 2025.
Buy ticket

Full Price

$ 1750 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 21 October, 2025.
Buy ticket

Separately Bookable Workshop Leading AI and Digital Strategy

Workshop

$ 800 + gst
  • For valid tickets, payment by 21 October, 2025.
Buy ticket

Group tickets

Multi-Buy 3+ Tickets

Multi-buy 3+ Tickets - Pre Sale

$1599
$ 1499 per person + gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at same time. Available until XX month 2025 OR until XX tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by XX month 2025.
Buy ticket

Multi-buy 3 + Tickets - Full price

$ 1599 per person + gst
  • Must be from same organisation and book at same time.For valid ticket, payment by XX month 2025.
Buy ticket

Pre Sale

$ 1250 + gst
  • For valid ticket, payment by 18 July, 2025.
Buy ticket
Registration Conditions

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

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

Make an enquiry

Got questions? Write to us.

General Contact

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Tagged ,