2008 NZEALS International Educational Leadership Conference

NZEALS 2008 Conference highlights

Speakers
The four keynotes: Mike Bottery, Jill Blackmore, Kabini Sanga and Hine Waitere were stunning. They really worked in well together, the synergies between these people were amazing. The panels were a highlight. The choices of Pat Snedden as invited speaker and Karen Sewell from MOE were spot on.

Powhiri
Huge manaakitanga from the Ngati Whatua people. Huge reciprocity. Thanks to Evie Hawke for making it happen. An important historic link with the Hyatt and Joe Hawke - also Pat Snedden and to hear about 30 years of Ngati Whatua struggle to have their voices heard by the Waitangi Tribunal.

Delegates
A number of delegates commented it was the 'best conference I have been to'. There was really good communication, delegates said they appreciated knowing what was happening. Great IT support - seamless.

Students writing personal cards to delegates was hugely appreciated by everyone. Thank you to Waterlea School.
A number of Australians commented on how impressed they were about the bicultural nature of the conference.
It was amazing that people got up and gave a mihi, in the various places in the conference.

Place
Hyatt was a good choice, they came to the party. Lots of opportunities for people to meet outside the conference. Centrally located. . They were very responsive to any needs that arose. Sponsors being near the food was a really good idea.

Social programme
The cultural and musical programme with Sweet Sixteen from Aorere College and Rebecca Adams from Epsom Girls' Grammar was magical.
Having Stuart Middleton as a challenging and entertaining dinner speaker added a special touch.

'Out and about in Auckland' worked so well. People looked after each other.

Conference team
Strong positives of camaraderie and friendship. Continual amoebic leadership, someone always rose to the leadership opportunity. A great sharing of people's different skills.

What on earth am I going to do now with my weekends now that it is all over?

Personal comments
We'll never know who we've touched in this conference. NZEALS was able to bring together an amazing diverse group of people. Able to ask some really big questions for people to reflect on.

We've created a buzz and a ripple. We are a work in progress but we need to keep the learning community alive by building on the conference. NZEALS as an organisation needs to continue to be dynamic.

Howard Youngs and Jenny Collins
Conference Convenors

Contact Conference Co-ordinator : Kerry Dean

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