This popular conference is designed by principals for rural and teaching principals with a mix of inspirational keynotes, practical workshops, networking and hauora opportunities.
This year’s theme: Opening Gateways, Expanding Horizons: Rural Leadership Shaping Tomorrow.
A positive and future-focused conference that positions rural principals not as isolated, but as visionary leaders opening doors for students, whānau, and communities to thrive.
Conference Registration
Conference Programme
Click here to view the conference programme.
The organising committee is creating an engaging conference programme that will include:
- Keynote speakers - to uplift you as fearless leaders in changing times
- Workshops - across a wide range of topics to adorn you as leaders with feathers to soar
- Networking - opportunity to talanoa and kōrero
- Haerenga - get out and about to see what Tāmaki Makaurau has to offer
- Conference Dinner - in central Auckland, not to be missed! Good food, great company and a chance to show your moves on the dance floor.
Key Note Speakers
Keynote Speakers for 2026 are:
- Tabitha Leonard | High Performance Leadership Coach
- Jake Bailey | Resilience Educator, Author, Internationally acclaimed speaker
- Te Radar | Humourist. Documentarian. Raconteur.
For more details on the keynote presentations and speakers please see: 2026 Keynote Speakers
Workshops | Thursday 28 May
- Trauma informed practice
- Assessing your leadership performance
- Demystifying AI for Rural Leadership
- We are not leading change, we are building a culture of curiosity
- Broken Windows, Leaky Buildings, No Funds and Big Plans: Navigating School Property as a Rural Principal
- High Performance Leadership
- 2026 Standards and the Professional Growth Cycle (PGC)
- Is there still a place for Play-based learning?
- Progress reporting using PAT assessments
- Finance 101 – Tips and Tricks for School Finance
- Leading with Authenticity: Culturally Responsive Practice in Action
- Tales from the Goldfish Bowl
For more details on the workshops, including workshop descriptions and presenters please see: 2026 Workshops
Meet the Principal Organisers
Adam Tamariki - Te Paina School (U2)
Ally Gibbs - Mulberry Grove School (U1)
Haydon Brill - Puni School (U4+)
Josie Redmond - Pukekawa School (U2)
Phoebe Todd - NZEI Te Riu Roa Principals' Council U1&2 Rep
Stephanie Madden - NZEI Te Riu Roa Principals' Council Chair
Conference Venue and Accommodation
Conference Venue:
Jean Batten Ballroom
Holiday Inn, Auckland Airport
2 Ascot Road
Airport Oaks
Auckland 2150
Accommodation:
Holiday Inn, Auckland Airport
Accommodation Booking Link. Group Code: NZE
Rooms start at $245 per night* (breakfast included)
*Subject to availability
If you have any queries regarding your accommodation booking, please contact: Groups.HIAucklandAirport@ihg.com
Explore Tāmaki Makaurau
Central Auckland | Harbour / Hauraki Gulf | Manukau |
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