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

 

Registrations are now open. Register here 

Register now to secure your spot. 

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

Tāmaki Makaurau Haerenga | Wednesday 27 May

  • School Visits | Te Hihi School, Mauku School, Puni School
  • School Visits | Maangere Bridge School, Otahuhu Primary School
  • Te Ihu o Mataoho | A living classroom experience
  • MOTAT and Auckland Zoo
  • Coast-to-coast walkway
  • Wero Whitewater Park
  • Explore Tāmaki Makaurau your way

For more details on the haerenga options please see : Tāmaki Makaurau Haerenga

Registration for haerenga is essential, please check your email for the registration link 

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

THANK YOU to our RTPC 2026 Sponsors

Schooled provides NEXT LEVEL financial and support services to schools across Aotearoa and our Election Pilot team deliver effortless electronic school board elections for all kura.

 

Te Rito Maioha are leaders in primary and early childhood education – growing kaiako, leaders, knowledge and bicultural teaching practice so tamariki learn and thrive. Te Rito Maioha offers two primary qualifications which lead to teacher registration:  Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary)

 

Carus Group NZ are experienced commercial painters specialising in interior/exterior repainting & aftercare maintenance. Our aim is to rejuvenate existing buildings to ensure they remain functional & visually appealing.

 

HealthCarePlus | Better off Together' your union's Membership Benefits programme delivered by HealthCarePlus to support NZEI member's financial, mental, and physical health and wellbeing.

 

Network for Learning provides fully funded, faster, safer internet to around 2,540 schools & kura across Aotearoa. Our safety & security solutions help schools keep ākonga safer & more secure online.

 

Playground Creations design, build and install unique playgrounds all around Aotearoa, to provide a training ground for children to play and learn in a natural environment.

 

SchoolDocs supports more than 90% of all schools in Aotearoa with online policies and procedures to support them with their compliance needs.

 

Teamturf | Transform your school’s sports court, playground or landscaping area with Teamturf’s premium artificial turf. Teamturf has the widest coloured turf range allowing for customised bespoke designs.

 

MOTAT | Museum of Transport and Technology provides hands-on education experiences at our museum or at your place of learning. Let's get your education booking started! 

 

Ministry of Education | The digital services team at the Ministry give advice and support to schools around managing their digital services. If you have any cyber security, online privacy or cyber safety questions, come see the team for some guidance. More information is available at Digital technology - Ministry of Education.

 

Tertiary Education Commission |  The Tertiary Education Commission Te Amorangi Mātauranga Matua is a Crown agency that leads the government’s relationship with the tertiary education sector, invests government funding in tertiary education organisations and provides career services from education to employment.

 

University of Auckland is the highest-ranked, largest and most comprehensive in New Zealand, with more than 40,000 students, including over 9,000 students representing over 100 countries

 

Learning Network NZ creates inspiring learning opportunities that help educators connect, reflect, and grow—both personally and professionally. Our events and resources are designed to build knowledge, sharpen skills, and reignite the passion for teaching, reminding us all of the purpose and joy in the work we do.

 

Educated Furniture is proudly New Zealand owned and operated. EF designs, builds and sources quality furniture solutions for schools across New Zealand. 

 

RASLA | New Zealand Rural Schools Leadership Association is a group of rural principals from across Aotearoa with a passion for rural education. The aim of our association is to network with and support other rural and small school principals in educational leadership, curriculum development and operational knowledge.

Conference Waiata

During the conference we will tautoko our speakers and show appreciation through waiata. If you would like to familiarise yourself with the waiata we'll be singing throughout the conference, please see here.

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