21-22 Oct 2025 | Crowne Plaza, Auckland

STEAM Education Summit

Reimagining Learning Through STEAM

Curiosity, Inclusion, & Real-World Connection – Ready to transform your classroom for a time of fast-paced change? This two-day conference brings together educators, leaders, and industry partners to explore how integrated STEAM learning can boost student engagement, improve literacy and numeracy, and connect learning to real-world pathways.

You’ll discover practical strategies, inspiring stories, and innovative partnerships that are transforming classrooms across Aotearoa, with a focus on everything from inclusive, student-led inquiry to curriculum alignment and creative assessment.

If you want your STEAM program to be engaging, equitable, and future-focused, this event is for you.

Here's why you can't miss it

Real stories & cases

Hear directly from educators and students who are making STEAM work in real-world classrooms, in partnership with industry, iwi and community, to forge careers.

Curriculum clarity

Learn how to align integrated STEAM with national priorities, improve literacy and numeracy, and design purposeful assessment.

Inclusive by design

Explore how student-led enquiry supports diverse learners, including neurodiverse and culturally diverse students.

Actionable ideas

Walk away with ideas you can implement immediately—whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine and scale your current approach.

Reasons to attend

This is more than just a conference — it’s a chance to recharge your thinking, connect with like-minded educators, and gain practical tools to transform teaching and learning in your school.

Real stories, not just theory – Hear directly from teachers, school leaders, and students who are making STEAM work in real-world classrooms.
Curriculum clarity – Learn how to align integrated STEAM with national priorities, improve literacy and numeracy, and design purposeful assessment.
Inclusive by design – Explore how student-led enquiry supports diverse learners, including neurodiverse and culturally diverse students.
Powerful partnerships – Discover how working with industry, iwi, and community can elevate STEAM projects and open career pathways.
Actionable ideas – Walk away with ideas you can implement immediately—whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine and scale your current approach.

If you want your STEAM program to be engaging, equitable, and future-focused, this event is for you.

2025 Key Topics:

Integrated STEAM Learning
Designing cross-curricular programs that lift literacy and numeracy outcomes through real-world, hands-on learning.

Student-Led Inquiry and Curiosity
Using enquiry-based learning to build engagement, purpose, and ownership in the classroom.
Community and Industry Partnerships
Building meaningful collaborations to expand access to tools, expertise, and real-world projects.

Curriculum Alignment and Assessment
Making STEAM work within curriculum frameworks and capturing meaningful learning for assessment.

STEAM as a Pathway to Equity
Ensuring STEAM learning reflects and honours Māori, Pasifika, and other diverse identities and ways of thinking.

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KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2025

Our 2025 key lineup brings together inspiring thought leaders and educators leading the STEAM movement. Check out more today.

Ben Hancock

Principal

Tauhara College

Jason Maraku

CEO, EVolocity

Specialist Engineering Teacher, Monrad Te Kura Waenga o Tirohanga

Kayla Schwalger

Co-Founder and Creative Director

Tapasā – Navigating the Future

Who is this conference for?

Principal / Tumuaki
Deputy / Associate Principal
Head of Department / Faculty / Lead
STEAM / STEM / Science / Technology Teacher
Classroom / Subject Teacher
Specialist Teacher (Digital, Robotics, Performing Arts, SENCO, etc.)
Coordinator / Advisor / Manager in the school system

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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

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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.

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Address

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

Agenda

8:00	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Mihi Whakatau
9:10	Welcoming remarks from the Chair Amy Cornelisen, Chief Inspiration Officer, Ministry of Inspiration
	Curiosity at the Core
9:15	Panel - From Questions to Discovery: The Power of Enquiry-Driven Learning Explore how integrated STEAM learning can accelerate progress in literacy and numeracy Understand how student-lead enquiry provides real-world, purpose-led learning that links to careers and community The evolving role of the teacher, skills needed to guide enquiry, facilitate feedback loops, and build strong student partnerships Embedding a sustainability lens into STEAM projects to empower students as changemakers in their communities and beyond Jo McIntyre-Brown, Director MI Papakāinga (Rural Campus), Manurewa Intermediate Kemp Reweti, Manahautū (Chief Executive), Pūhoro STEMM Academy Ben Hancock, Principal, Tauhara College
10:00	Ministry of Education – Curriculum Reform Update The vision for the refreshed NZ Curriculum and the role of STEAM education Ensuring equity and a curriculum that strengthens Māori and Pacific success within the refreshed frameworks Resources, professional learning, and leadership strategies to make curriculum change meaningful and sustainable Hayley Welch, General Manager – New Zealand Curriculum & Te Whāriki, Ministry of Education
10:30	Morning break
	Diverse Minds, Inclusive STEAM
11:00	Creativity in STEAM: Designing Projects that Spark Curiosity and Deep Learning Discover the role of creativity and play in designing engaging STEAM projects Learn how to leverage creative problem-solving to drive deep learning outcomes Aligned with Kainundrum.com, providing immersive 3D challenges that spark curiosity and critical thinking Ronel Schodt, CEO, Co-Founder, Kai's Education Jackie Smith, Director - Channel and Sales, 3DNow
11:40	Wayfinders of the Pacific: Reimagining STEM Through Culture, Identity & Innovation Culturally responsive STEAM education has the power to help students who are often underrepresented in STEM to feel included, capable, and connected to learning that reflects who they are and where they come from Explore the Wayfinders Club at Waitakere College, a culturally grounded STEM program for Pasifika students, blending ancestral knowledge—such as traditional navigation and tapa storytelling—with modern tools like circuitry and Minecraft to reimagine what inclusive, identity-led STEAM learning can look like Discover how STEAM education empowered Pacific students to see themselves as scientists, innovators, and cultural leaders through a hands-on, community-led, and culturally affirming experience. Kayla Schwalger, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Tapasā – Navigating the Future Jacqui Passi, Deputy Principal, Waitakere College
12:20	Table discussion – Your Context: Engaging Every Learner Through STEAM How is your STEAM program engaging learners in new or different ways? What challenges are you facing, and what opportunities are emerging to make learning more inclusive, creative, and culturally connected?
12:30	Lunch
	Curriculum Alignment & Assessment
13:30	Bridging Creativity and Curriculum: Real STEAM Stories from the Classroom Primary school case study - Kimberley Sullings, Year 5&6 Teacher \| Senior Syndicate Leader, Christ the King Catholic School Intermediate school case study - Mareena Henare,Yr 7 & 8 Sustainable design teacher, Manurewa Intermediate and STEAM & Cultural ASCoLL for Te Kahui Ako ō Manurewa Secondary school case study - Jono Howan,TiC STEAM, Westlake Girls High School
14:30	Interactive Q&A Panel This panel will provide the audience the opportunity to ask questions of this session’s speakers to dive deeper into the details of their STEAM programs and projects.
15:00	Afternoon break
	Collaborations with Purpose
15:30	Case study - From school to speed: Partnering to create sustainable pathways Discover how partnering with EVolocity engages students in hands-on electric vehicle design and racing, building practical STEAM skills and industry connections. Explore how the program fosters sustainability awareness, innovation, and pathways into clean technology careers. Jason Maraku, Chief Executive Officer, EVolocity & Specialist Engineering Teacher, Monrad Te Kura Waenga o Tirohanga
15:50	Case study - From School to Sector: Partnering with Industry for Purposeful Learning Explore how schools and the Wonder Project are working together to deliver hands-on, curriculum aligned STEAM learning that inspires students and connects them to industry experts. Renée King, Wonder Project Advisor, Engineering New Zealand
16:10	Case study - From Classroom to Career: Partnering with Universities Discover how partnerships with universities support schools by providing expert knowledge, representation of workforce pathways and helping fill teachers’ skills gaps to enhance student learning experiences. Ashleigh Fox, Project Manager, Women in Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Design \| University of Auckland
16:30	Interactive panel Q&A This panel will bring together this session’s speakers to dive deeper into the details of these partnerships and allow questions from the audience.
16:55	Summary remarks from the Chair
17:00	Networking Drinks

8:30	Registration and Coffee
9:00	Welcoming remarks from the Chair Amy Cornelisen, Chief Inspiration Officer, Ministry of Inspiration
9:10	Keynote - Inspired by STEAM: A School Leaver’s Path to Success Hear how an integrated STEAM approach supported real-world learning and opened up pathways from school to career Be inspired by a this presenter’s story of how teachers who championed curiosity and problem-solving made a lasting impact Discover how visible STEAM role models and supportive educator networks help students see themselves in thriving, diverse communities Olivia Gordon, PhD candidate - Mechanical Engineering, The University of Auckland
9:40	Mini Masterclass – Creativity as an educational tool Using creativity and play in integrated STEAM programs and projects Toby Falconer, Director of Play, The Open Fort
10:30	Morning break
	Creativity and Innovation Across Contexts
11:00	Thinking Outside the Box: Understanding and Supporting Neurodiverse Learners Practical tools to help include neurodiverse learners in your projects Creating inclusive and safe spaces for different learners in the classroom Kathryn Berkett, Neuroscience Trainer, ENGAGE
11:40	Interactive session - Including the ‘A’ in STEAM What does the A mean for program design? Exploring how integrating the Arts fosters divergent and creative thinking through practical tools and activities Building curiosity and problem-solving skills as essential foundations for lifelong learning Claire Wigley, Kaiārahi, Technology Education New Zealand (TENZ)
12:30	Lunch
13:30	Creating Changemakers: Cross-Curricular STEAM for a Sustainable Future Embedding sustainability into learning by empowering students, schools, and communities to take action for the environment and create long-term change Explore case studies of STEAM programs that embed sustainability, showing how students solve real-world environmental challenges through creative, cross-curricular learning Esther Kirk, Enviroschools National Manager, Toimata Foundation Susan Hutchinson-Daniel, Senior Sustainable Schools Advisor & Cate Jessep, Sustainable Schools Advisor, Auckland Council Kirsten Taranaki & Juliana Goodman, Kaiako, Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate
14:30	Forging Ahead: Lessons learned from MOTAT's Innovation Forge Pilot Programme Explore MOTAT’s Innovation Forge pilot programme and how it fosters creativity and problem-solving in tamariki Discover the project-based learning approach grounded in MOTAT’s Innovation curriculum Hear what’s next – how MOTAT is refining and expanding the programme to sharpen skills and spark future innovators Julie Baker, Head of Education, Museum of Transport and Technology
14:55	Summary remarks from the Chair
15:00	Conference close

Speakers

Speakers to be announced

Hayley Welch

General Manager, New Zealand Curriculum & Te Whāriki

Ministry of Education

Read bio

Hayley Welch (Ngāti Whātua, Ngātiwai) is General Manager for the New Zealand Curriculum & Te Whāriki at the Ministry of Education. She is responsible for the curriculum data strategy, the achievement target reporting & recommendations and the development of curriculum and assessment resources and supports to enable effective delivery of the refreshed New Zealand curriculum.

Previous to joining the Ministry, Hayley held leadership roles in both public health and tertiary education. She spent 9 years leading the Student Recruitment strategy at Auckland University of Technology, working with secondary schools across the motu and strengthening the pathway into tertiary education. She is lead author of Te Kura Tapa Whā: Embedding an indigenous model of wellbeing into the learning environment which drew together her three interests of education, wellbeing and te ao Māori.

Hayley is proud Māmā to her three beautiful children. Guided by her tupuna and inspired by her tamariki, she is driven and determined to contribute to an education system that realises the aspirations and delivers outcomes for the mokopuna of Aotearoa.

Juliana Goodman

Kaiako

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate

Read bio

Juliana is a Science Kaiako at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate Senior School and a current Ako Mātātūpū participant (C23). She is committed to fostering integrated learning and working with colleagues from other subject areas to facilitate projects that extend beyond a scientific lens into sustainable social action. With a passion for STEAM education, she explores innovative and inclusive approaches to engage students, while encouraging critical thinking within the science and technology sectors. Dedicated to educational equity, she empowers young people to step beyond their comfort zones and discover their potential. As an emerging educator, she has embraced the importance of contextualised and empowering approaches where student voice and community engagement drive meaningful change.

Kirsten Taranaki

Kaiako

Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate

Read bio

Kirsten Taranaki is a History teacher with nearly 20 years’ service and is the Learning Area Leader of Social Sciences at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate. Her learning and teaching journey reflects a deep commitment to education as a pathway to equity, transformation and hope. She believes in reimagining learning by extending it beyond classroom settings and connecting rangatahi experiential knowledge to real world contexts. Her work focuses on designing cross-curricular programmes, student-led STEAM inquiries and opportunities that embrace community partnerships using a systems change approach to inspire courage, curiosity and active participation in young people.

Cate Jessop

Sustainable Schools Advisor

Auckland Council

Read bio

Cate Jessep is a sustainable schools advisor in Auckland Council. She works in 75 schools in Ōtara Papatoetoe and Howick. Her work for the last nearly 20 years focuses on empowering courageous committed tangata she has the privilege to work with to be leaders of sustainability in their communities. Through supporting integrated holistic learning and hands on action taking across the curriculum she believes is the way to achieve sustainable healthy caring equitable communities. When young people work collaboratively on sustainability issues relevant to them and they have a STEAM framework they are supported to trial their theories, grow skills, knowledge, self-belief and hope for the future.

Susan Hutchinson-Daniel

Senior Sustainable Schools Advisor

Auckland Council

Read bio

Susan has 23 years experience in local government working on education for sustainability with schools and communities. A particular focus for 15 years was climate action through transport mode shift. Data which supports climate positive trends empowers and encourages young people to take meaningful (and fun) action.

The depth of experience of the Enviroschools teachers and students who weave STEAM through their teaching and learning practice in Tāmaki Makaurau is astonishing. Susan is honoured to be part of the regional team.

Esther Kirk

Enviroschools National Manager

Toimata Foundation

Read bio

Esther Kirk is the National Manager for the Enviroschools Programme and leads the Enviroschools Team. With degrees in Marine Biology, Applied Science and Teaching, she is passionate about empowering students to investigate, explore, design, plan and take action for their environment and communities. Esther has been involved in the Enviroschools kaupapa for over 20 years, as facilitator and Regional Coordinator for the Bay of Plenty region, then as Professional Development and Resources Manager for Toimata Foundation.

Jackie Smith

Director - Channel and Sales

3DNow

Read bio

Jackie Smith is Director – Channel and Sales at 3DNow. She has a degree in Educational Psychology and experience in the computer industry as well as a teaching qualification so it seemed only natural to combine these skills to bring her knowledge of Digital Technologies into the classroom. Jackie enjoys supporting schools to ensure strong in classroom engagement, as well as helping them to develop Digital Curriculum plans to support the new Technologies Curriculum and the implementation of this across teaching and learning.

Ronel Schodt

CEO, Co-Founder

Kai's Education

Read bio

Ronel Schodt is the CEO and Co-Founder of Kai’s Education, an award-winning EdTech company bringing coding, robotics, and STEAM to classrooms worldwide. She leads the vision behind KaiBot and Kai’s Clan, tools that make hands-on learning inclusive and fun. Ronel is passionate about empowering every child to build problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills that prepare them for the future. Under her leadership, Kai’s Education is expanding globally, helping schools connect coding with real-world learning across math, literacy, and science.

Jono Howan

TiC of STEAM Programme

Westlake Girls High School

Read bio

Jono Howan is the Teacher in Charge of STEAM at Westlake Girls High School, where he leads an innovative programme fully integrated into the school timetable for Years 9–11. The course combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, giving students hands-on experience with robotics, circuitry, 3D printing, laser cutting, AR/VR and mobile app design. It also features projects that engage students in tackling real issues identified in their community. Jono is passionate about creating rich, project-based learning that nurtures creativity, collaboration and real-world problem solving.

Julie Baker

Head of Education

Museum of Transport and Technology

Read bio

Julie Baker started her career in mechanical engineering, working with the physics and engineering branch of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR, now Industrial Research). As a young engineer she worked in team projects involving dynamic stress measurement in structures including the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Foden trucks and multi-hearth furnaces at NZ Steel. When children came along, she moved into the education sector and having gained a teaching qualification, she taught physics and science to Auckland high school students for several years. When the technology curriculum was released, she was contracted by MoE to facilitate its introduction as a new curriculum subject to teachers across NZ. Julie joined MOTAT in 2015 and has since headed the Education team overseeing the introduction of new services including STEAM Cells, online workshops and Learnables. Julie sees her role at MOTAT as the perfect environment to bring her technical, education and management skills together to effect positive change for students aspiring to work in NZ’s burgeoning innovation landscape.

Amy Cornelisen

Chief Inspiration Officer

Ministry of Education

Read bio

Amy is a passionate educator and co-founder of the Ministry of Inspiration, dedicated to promoting STEAMS education in her community. Whether she’s helping students construct life-size inflatable blue whales or dissecting brains in her after-school science class, Amy brings creativity and energy to her teaching. When not inspiring young minds, she enjoys relaxing on the beach with a historical novel in hand.

Amy holds a BS in Oceanography from Humboldt State University and an MS in Education from Pepperdine University. Her dedication to teaching has been recognized with the National Association of Gifted Children’s Excellence in Teaching Science Award and the New Zealand Association of Maths Teachers’ Excellence in Teaching Mathematics Award. She strives to make learning an engaging and hands-on experience, empowering students to explore, create, and succeed.

Mareena Henare

Yr 7 & 8 Sustainable design teacher, Manurewa Intermediate School

STEAM & Cultural ASCoLL for Te Kahui Ako ō Manurewa

Read bio

I have over 18 years of experience in education, beginning as a Learning Assistant at Manurewa Intermediate for 13 years before becoming a teacher. For the past five years, I have taught Science, Mathematics, and am currently the Sustainable Design teacher. In this role, I use a STEAM-based approach where students construct projects from recycled materials, combining creativity with sustainability. I am passionate about hands-on learning and believe practical activities engage and inspire students, encouraging them to think critically, problem-solve, and develop lifelong learning skills.

Gold Sponsor

Museum of Transport and Technology Auckland

Exhibitors

Qizzle

Kai’s Education

Education Perfect

SPCA Education

Accessit

Supporting Organisation

Royal Society of New Zealand

Umbrella Wellbeing

Leading AI and Digital Strategy

For School Principals & Senior Leaders in Education

SEPARATELY BOOKABLE FULL DAY WORKSHOP

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XX XXX 2025 | 9.00am - 12.30pm

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Tagged 21-22 Oct 2025, STEAM Education Summit 2025

21-22 Oct 2025 | Crowne Plaza, Auckland

STEAM Education Summit

Reimagining Learning Through STEAM

Here's why you can't miss it

Real stories & cases

Curriculum clarity

Inclusive by design

Actionable ideas

Reasons to attend

2025 Key Topics:

_

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2025

Ben Hancock

Jason Maraku

Kayla Schwalger

Who is this conference for?

Add Your Heading Text Here

Add Your Heading Text Here

Sub-heading

Sub-heading

Sub-heading

Sub-heading

Sub-heading

Just announced - AI strategy workshop for school leaders

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Agenda

Speakers

Hayley Welch

Juliana Goodman

Kirsten Taranaki

Cate Jessop

Susan Hutchinson-Daniel

Esther Kirk

Jackie Smith

Ronel Schodt

Jono Howan

Julie Baker

Amy Cornelisen

Mareena Henare

Gold Sponsor

Exhibitors

Supporting Organisation

Sponsors

Leading AI and Digital Strategy

POST CONFERENCE

Workshop title goes here

XX XXX 2025 | 9.00am - 12.30pm

Tickets

Choose Summit Pass and/or Separately Bookable Workshop

Double Pass

Individual Ticket

Workshop

Double Pass

Super Saver

Early Bird

Full Price

Separately Bookable Workshop: Leading AI & Digital Strategy

Workshop

Group tickets

Multi-Buy 3+ Tickets

Multi-buy 3+ Tickets - Pre Sale

Multi-buy 3 + Tickets - Full price

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