Wellington Education Law and Leadership Conference 2026: Navigating Change in Aotearoa Schools
Schedule
Wed, 25 Feb, 2026 at 11:00 pm to Thu, 26 Feb, 2026 at 07:15 am
UTC+13:00Location
Rydges Wellington | Wellington, WG
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This comprehensive full-day conference brings together leaders in education governance, employment, and inclusive practice to explore the evolving legal and cultural landscape of Aotearoa’s schools. Unpack key developments in education law and policy, from recent legislative changes under the Education and Training Act to updates on collective agreements, employment law and best practices in workplace investigations. Focus on creating culturally grounded and future-focused school leadership, with insights into kaupapa Māori practices, strategic planning and governance and policy issues surrounding the introduction of AI. Designed for principals, board members and education professionals, this conference offers both legal clarity and practical inspiration for navigating today’s complex education environment.Session 1: Navigating Change: Governance, Employment and Investigations
Chair: Maria McKenzie, Cluster Manager, Remutaka Resource Teacher and Learning and Behaviour, Masterton Primary School
> Unlocking Excellence: A Framework for Effective School Governance
Presented by Belinda Weber, Chief Advisor Governance, Te Whakaroputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa New Zealand School Boards Association
> Collective Bargaining Outcomes: An Update for School HR Leaders
Presented by Maynard Scott, National Employment Relations Advisor, Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa, New Zealand School Boards Association
> Employment Law Update: The Evolving Landscape in New Zealand/Aotearoa’s Employment Law
Presented by Murray Grant, Special Counsel, Wotton Kearney and Alex Sclater, Solicitor, Wotton Kearney
> Workplace Investigations in the School Environment
Presented by Andrew Scott-Howman, Barrister and Workplace Investigator, Port Nicholson Chambers
Session 2: Empowering School Communities: Kaupapa Māori, Strategic Planning and AI
Chair: Simon Kenny, Principal, Fergusson Intermediate School
> Culturally Empowering Practices in Aotearoa Schools
Presented by Nathan Mahikai Riki, Director , Riki Consultancy
> Strategic Planning: Empowering Schools to Design and Own Their Strategic Direction
Presented by Bruce Kearney, Principal, Rangiora High School
> AI in Schools: Governance, Risk and Implementation Challenges
Presented by Dr Rod Lane, Director, Learning and Innovation, Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa, New Zealand School Boards Association
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Where is it happening?
Rydges Wellington, 75A Featherston St, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand, WellingtonEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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