Pre-eminent Education Conference Comes to Auckland
The New Zealand Principals’ Federation in partnership with the Australian Primary Principals’ Association and the
Auckland Primary Principals’ Association will be hosting the Trans-Tasman Principals’ Conference from31 May - 3 June
2016 at Sky City Convention Centre in Auckland.
‘This prestigious event is held every four years alternatively in Australia and New Zealand. It is a unique event and an
honour to be hosting it in Auckland this year,’ said Ms Jill Corkin, the conference convenor.
The conference features high on the priority list for principals in both countries. ‘This year is our opportunity to
showcase what is great about education practice in New Zealand,’ says Corkin. She is expecting close to 900 delegates
from Australia and the Pacific as well as New Zealand.
‘Knowledge in our Hands’ is a fitting title for the conference, which will showcase stories based on the eight broad
values embedded in the New Zealand Curriculum. The conference draws on New Zealand, Australian and International
education experts including Judy Halbert and Linda Kaser from Canada, Bill Martin from the USA, Dr John Edwards, well
known to both NZ and Australian educators, and Dr Chris Sarra from Australia, who will all give keynote addresses.
Georgette Mulheir (UK) who heads up J K Rowling’s Lumos Foundation will speak about the plight of disadvantaged children
and orphans around the world. She will be complemented by the retiring New Zealand Children’s Commissioner, Dr Russell
Wills, and the former Head of the Auckland City Mission, Dame Diane Robertson.
‘These are just a few of a broad range of people who will inspire and inform us,’ says Corkin.
‘We are also excited to be staging presentations from both Australian and New Zealand practising principals, based on
innovations they have implemented in their own schools. It is the first time we have included practising professionals
in this way and we look forward to being stimulated by their exciting ideas,’ she said.
The conference opens with a spectacular welcome reception on Tuesday 31 May and the Minister of Education the Hon. Hekia
Parata, gets the programme underway the following morning.
Continuity for the conference will be in the very capable hands of Michele A’ Court, who will no doubt draw on her multi
talents as a comedienne, journalist and actress to keep the conference running at pace.
‘The conference promises to be inspiring, thought provoking, challenging and a great opportunity to do some serious
formal and informal networking with colleagues from both sides of the Tasman,’ said Corkin
ENDS