Trans-Tasman Principals’ conference for Sky City

The Trans-Tasman Principals’ Conference will be hosted in Auckland this year.

The conference, hosted by the New Zealand Principals’ Federation in partnership with the Australian Primary Principals’ Association and the Auckland Primary Principals’ Association, will run from May 31 – June 3 at Sky City Convention Centre.

‘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 Ms 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 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 Ms Corkin.