NZAEE Conference 2026

05 October 2026 - 07 October 2026

Region(s): Auckland

Type(s): conferences

Join the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE) for their 2026 conference this October – it will be in person this year, for the first time in eight years.

Conference Name: Tātaiao

Tātaiao is a kupu with many layers – multifaceted and grounded in action. Formed by bringing together tātai (ancestral connections, genealogies) and taiao (the natural world), tātaiao expresses the inseparable relationship between people and te Taiao.

This kupu acknowledges the interwoven worldviews of tangata while honouring the knowledge of our tūpuna. Tātaiao reflects the understanding that when we recognise, uphold, and restore these relationships with the natural world, both people and ecosystems can flourish.

Whāia te mātauranga, hei oranga mō koutou

Seek after learning for the sake of your wellbeing

The conference will also be guided by this whakataukī, reflecting the focus on providing an event that nurtures learning, connection and wellbeing.

These themes will be explored through a diverse range of perspectives across the conference programme, including keynote speakers, practical workshops and inspiring sessions from Aotearoa educators, researchers, rangatahi and community organisations.

Keynote Speakers

Dan Hikuroa (Ngāti Maniapoto, Waikato-Tainui, Ngaati Whanaunga, Pākehā) is a father, husband, surfer and gardener. He is Associate Professor in Māori Studies, University of Auckland, UNESCO New Zealand Commissioner for Culture and world expert on weaving indigenous knowledge and science to realise the dreams and solve the challenges of the communities he works with.

Dan has been spearheading alternative ways of undertaking development and assessing sustainability, including braiding indigenous knowledge and epistemologies with science and into policies, assessment frameworks and decision-support tools.

See the Conference website for the latest information as speakers are announced, including information on panel sessions with rangatahi and education leaders. There are also details on the programme including the varied workshops.

Conference registration is open until 21 August.

Location: Motu Moana Camp, AucklandTāmaki Makaurau

For more information and to register: www.nzaee.org.nz/conference-information/2026.