As educators and school leaders, we are guided by the National Education Learning Progressions (NELPs) to “ensure places of learning are safe, inclusive and free from racism, discrimination and bullying”.
Section 127 of the Education and Training Act 2020 also requires that school boards take “all reasonable steps to eliminate racism, stigma, bullying and any other forms of discrimination within the school”.
Teachers at all levels, from ECE to Secondary school, school leaders, policymakers, researchers, academics, education advocates and community leaders are warmly invited to attend a two-day conference on Weaving Anti-racist Futures: Standing together against racism from Sunday 5 July to Monday 6 July 2026 in Auckland (details to be released to attendees). The conference is designed to support educators who are passionate about creating safe environments for young people where all students can thrive.
Hosted by community partners and educators in partnership with CARE (Center for Culture-Centred Approach to Research and Evaluation) at Massey University, this conference brings together educators, researchers and practitioners to explore how race and racism function in our education system by enabling us to confidently respond in practical ways.
The programme includes inspiring keynotes, engaging panel discussions and opportunities to connect with fellow educators who share your vision for an anti-racist future in education. It has been designed with an holistic approach that considers some of the diverse needs of our sector.
Key Themes:
* Supporting the profession with an understanding of anti-racism and building confidence
* Honouring Te Tiriti and anti-racist praxis
* Responding to student voice
* Impacts of racialised trauma and responses on wellbeing
* Tackling whiteness in decision making
* Multiple perspectives (including Indigenous, Oceanic, Global Majority)
* An introduction to Takarangi, a framework created through WERO (working to end racial oppression) project
* Practical skills to effectively address racism in schools
* Co-development of a framework for implementing school-wide anti-racism policies
By the end of the conference, attendees will gain:
* an understanding of the complexities and multidimensional aspects of racism, its functions and impact in the school environment;
* an understanding of the impacts of racism on students’ physical and mental health and the generational legacy of racialised experiences;
* tools for having meaningful and restorative conversations around racism; and
* an opportunity to work on developing processes and procedures for addressing racism in their school.
Confirmed Speakers and Workshop Facilitators with more to be announced:
* Dr Arama Rata (Ngāruahine, Taranaki, Ngāti Maniapoto)
* Associate Professor Donna Cormack (Kai Tahu, Kāti Māmore)
* Dr Mahdis Azarmandi
* Dr Lovely Dizon
* Professor Mohan Dutta
* Dr Andrea Edwards
* Samantha Patel, PGCert, MSc, MNZPsS, MNZPB
* Dr Nathan Rew
* Dr Gauri Nandedkhar
* Mary Austin, MEd
* Youth Panel – school experiences, chaired by Dr Lovely Dizon
DRAFT PROGRAMME*
* More sessions and speakers to be confirmed – check back regularly for updates.
DAY 1: Sunday 5 July 2026, 10.00 am – 5.30 pm – Keynote Speakers and Discussions
* Mihi whakatau
* Opening: Dr Arama Rata will deliver a one-hour keynote, setting the stage for the conference
* Breakout sessions (practical, hands-on sessions)
* Youth Panel
* Wellbeing sessions – local histories, hikoi, poetry as a tool for wellbeing (other sessions to be added)
* Mix and mingle
DAY 2: Monday 6 July, 9.00 am – 4.00 pm – Speakers and Discussions
Building on the ideas and challenges presented on Sunday, there will be a mixture of call-to-action speakers and participant exploration of practical ways of responding to the themes raised across the two days:
* Dr Mahdis Azarmandi
* Samantha Patel
* Professor Mohan Dutta
* Breakout sessions
Unconference sessions – attendees will propose and lead discussions around key themes, sharing insights and strategies in an informal, collaborative environment
* Closing speaker: Associate Professor Donna Cormack
CONFERENCE FEES
Register by 28 April 2026 to take advantage of our early bird discount of $360 (incl GST). After this date, the fee will be $410 (incl GST). Tickets include access to both days of the conference and catering.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
In the event that you need to cancel your registration for any reason, registration can be transferred to another person. Please notify CARE in writing to arrange this.
If you are unable to arrange a replacement, the following cancellation terms will apply:
On or before 5 May 2026: A full refund will be issued, less an administration fee of NZD$100.
From 6 May 2026 onwards: No refunds will be issued.
We strongly recommend you arrange insurance to cover medical, travel and registration expenses in the event of unforeseen circumstances as we will be unable to provide compensation for any cancelled accommodation, airfares and other expenses associated with attending the conference.