We opened the 2025 conference with a delightful Welcome Reception giving delegates, speakers and sponsors the opportunity to socialise and reconnect. The following day, the conference programme commenced with a mihi whakatau, led by Kura Moeahu from Te Iwi o Te Ātiawa and Dr Alishia Rangiwhakawaitau Moeahu, followed by a kapa haka performance by students from Scots College which brought some people to tears. It was time to step into an exciting, full conference programme at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.
With 157 Delegates, 27 Speakers and 41 Sponsors attending from as far away as Indonesia, Australia and beaming in from the UK, plus across the motu, this year's conference was the largest one to date. On day one we explored how to navigate our way into the learning zone to leading from the frontline, from bringing marketing to the boardroom to master planning for future-ready schools. On day two we explored the global decline in humanities to building trust in schools, from education infrastructure to AI integration for cohesive leadership, and how storytelling influences our wellbeing.
We celebrated the strength of our community’s diversity and acknowledged that we bring with us a wide range of perspectives and experiences. It was a weekend of learning and connecting. Delegates mingled with our Sponsors during break and lunchtimes in the Exhibition Zone, reinforcing existing relationships and making new ones for future conversations.
We shared a glamorous and memorable evening at the Ovation Hospitality Services Gala Dinner and the 2025 ISNZ Honours Awards. The evening commenced with an outstanding performance by Seraphim Choir, Chilton Saint James School who also gifted a karakia to all our independent school members. We would like to congratulate those outstanding individuals who received a 2025 ISNZ Award.
Congratulations to the staff member from Mangawhai Hills College for winning $1,000 worth of Air New Zealand flights!
We would like to thank everyone for making this event so successful and enjoyable. Ka pai!
