It will be three days of inspiration with the theme “Knowledge in Our Hands” providing an exciting backdrop for a series of high quality speakers, sharing their stories about innovations and practice from education and other sectors. In the spirit of collaboration, we have structured a programme that will showcase stories and story tellers from both sides of the Tasman, which we are sure will provoke energetic discussion and professional debate.
The conference title and logo reflects the emphasis on telling our own stories and sharing these across cultures, particularly across the Tasman in a spirit of collaboration. We know the knowledge and expertise in our schools is immense and the stories to be told are stimulating and worthwhile. This conference will be a celebration of these stories and many others.
Speakers are being invited to share stories that reflect and support the universal values which underpin the NZ Curriculum and which we also have in common with the Australian system:
Excellence
Innovation, inquiry & curiosity
Diversity
Equity
Community & Participation
Ecological sustainability
Integrity
Respect
The venue will be the Sky City Convention centre, right in the heart of Auckland’s CBD and well within reach of many accommodation hotels, bars, restaurants and of course Auckland’s beautiful new waterfront development. The conference will lead into a long weekend for the New Zealand attendees – the Queen’s Birthday Holiday weekend – which we hope many will take advantage of to enjoy what Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf and its surrounds have to offer, following the conference itself.
This event, which takes place once every four years, is a special opportunity to share – not only with our Australian colleagues, but also others from around the Pacific Rim. It is focussed on the professional growth of leaders of learning from a range of countries and contexts. We will provide opportunities for you to share and collaborate, discuss and debate but also enjoy yourselves. Be prepared to be inspired! The conference dinner at a special venue on the waterfront promises to be a spectacular event and the highlight of the social calendar.
Our Auckland team feel it is a privilege to host you, and we are eager to make the Trans-Tasman Conference 2016 very memorable, both educationally and socially. It will be a truly wonderful experience, and the people of Auckland are already looking forward to warmly welcoming you and hosting you in May/June next year.
No reira, tena kotou katoa.
Chair - Organising Committee
Jill Corkin
Auckland Primary Principals' Association (APPA)
