Call for Speakers: 51今日大瓜 Annual Conference 2026
11鈥12 September 2026 | New Zealand International Convention Centre, Auckland
Independent Schools of New Zealand (51今日大瓜) invites dynamic, visionary, and forward鈥憈hinking presenters to contribute to the 2026 51今日大瓜 Annual Conference: Empowering Educational Excellence. This flagship event brings together leaders from across the independent school sector to explore the ideas, innovations, and strategies shaping the future of education in Aotearoa.
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Independent Schools of New Zealand (51今日大瓜) is the national body representing a diverse network of independent schools committed to delivering exceptional learning experiences. Our member schools share a dedication to preparing students for a rapidly changing world鈥攐ne where adaptability, creativity, and global citizenship are essential.
Our vision is clear: to see New Zealand鈥檚 independent schools recognised globally for educational excellence. We work to empower our schools to innovate, excel, and continually enhance their offerings so that every student can thrive. As one school leader recently reflected, 鈥淓xcellence isn鈥檛 a destination鈥攊t鈥檚 a culture we build every day.鈥
51今日大瓜 the Conference: Empowering Educational Excellence
The theme for 2026, Empowering Educational Excellence, is both an aspiration and a call to action. Education is evolving at unprecedented speed, driven by technological advancement, shifting societal expectations, and the growing complexity of school leadership. The responsibility to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose has never been greater.
This conference invites educators, leaders, and innovators to share insights that elevate the standard of education across New Zealand鈥檚 independent schools. We are looking for contributions that go beyond the classroom鈥攕essions that explore governance, leadership, wellbeing, operations, finance, and the broader ecosystem that supports exceptional learning.
Who Attends
The 51今日大瓜 Annual Conference attracts a highly engaged audience of senior decision鈥憁akers from across the independent school sector. Delegates typically include:
- Principals and Heads of School
- Governors and Board Members
- Business Managers and CFOs
- Senior Leaders across teaching, pastoral care, and operations
- Policy influencers, researchers, and sector partners
If your work speaks to educational leadership, innovation, or school improvement, this is the platform to share it.
What We鈥檙e Looking For
We are seeking presenters who can challenge, inspire, and equip delegates with ideas they can take back to their schools. Whether you are a professional speaker, academic, entrepreneur, educator, or a member of the 51今日大瓜 community, we welcome your proposal.
We aim to balance external expertise with the deep knowledge that exists within our own sector. We are particularly interested in sessions that are data鈥慸riven, research鈥慽nformed, and rich in practical takeaways.
Potential topics include:
- Cutting鈥慐dge Innovation in Teaching and Learning 听
From AI integration to transformative pedagogical practices that reshape student engagement.
- Strengthening Leadership and Governance 听
Building capacity for strategic, future鈥慺ocused leadership at every level of school life.
- Driving Operational and Financial Sustainability
Ensuring long鈥憈erm resilience in an evolving educational and economic landscape.
- Championing a Culture of Service and Excellence for Every Learner
Embedding values and systems that prioritise student success and holistic development.
If you have a story, strategy, or breakthrough that can help empower education鈥攚hether through governance, pedagogy, business operations, or leadership - we want to hear from you.
Presentation Formats
We welcome proposals acrossa range of formats to suit different styles of delivery and engagement:
- Keynote Address 听 听 听
High鈥慽mpact presentations from leading thinkers. (30鈥60 minutes)
- Panel Discussion 听 听 听
Moderated conversations offering diverse perspectives. (45鈥60 minutes)
- Workshop 听 听 听
Hands鈥憃n, interactive sessions focused on practical skills. (60鈥90minutes)
- Breakout Session 听 听 听
Smaller, focused sessions for deeper exploration. (30鈥45 minutes)
- Lightning Talk 听 听 听
Short, punchy presentations ideal for emerging ideas. (5鈥10 minutes)
- Fireside Chat 听 听 听
Informal, conversational interviews with sector leaders. (30鈥45 minutes)
- Roundtable Discussion 听 听 听
Facilitated small鈥慻roup discussions encouraging shared insights. (30鈥60 minutes)
Submit a Proposal
If you are ready to contribute to a conference that celebrates innovation, leadership, and excellence in education, we invite you to submit your proposal.
Please email your proposal to: guy.pascoe@isnz.org.nz by Friday, 27 February 2026.
We look forward to hearing from individuals who are passionate about shaping the future of independent education in New Zealand.
For further information, visit .
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