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
CONFERENCE ORGANISERS
Ara Alam-Simmons is a parent, educator, researcher, facilitator, and strategic practitioner in anti-racism, culturally sustaining practice, and wellbeing. Ara has worked within the Aotearoa, New Zealand education system as a teacher, a Specialist in Learning and Behaviour, and a professional learning facilitator, working alongside schools, leaders and teachers across the country.
She recently submitted her PhD in Māori and Indigenous Studies and was part of the WERO (Working to end racial Oppression) project.
Rashida Longley is a parent, educator , educational leader and researcher. She is pursuing a Masters in Educational Leadership, focusing her research on antiracism praxis in schools.
Having completed her e-fellowship with Core Education in 2021 on students’ experience of belonging in Aotearoa, she has focused her teaching and leadership on creating safe spaces where all children can thrive. She has contributed to the He Whakaaraara project.
Dr Lovely Dizon completed her doctorate in public health at the University of Auckland in 2023. Her research focuses on 1.5 and second-generation Asian youth, ethnic identity development, mental health and access to support services.
She is the Chair of the Adolescent Health Research Group and is part of Asian-specific ethnic advisory groups across the motu.
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
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.
Schools registering three or more teachers qualify for a 10% discount. Please email Jan Macfarlane at j.m.macfarlane@massey.ac.nz to request an invoice as the discount cannot be applied through the online booking form.
SPONSORSHIP OR SUPPORT
If you would like to either sponsor or be a supporter of the conference, please click the link below or contact antiracistfuturesnz@gmail.com for further details.
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.