New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF) Conference 2022
The key networking event on the calendar for New Zealand’s school principals was hosted with record numbers at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in September.
The New Zealand Principals Federation (NZPF) Annual Conference returned to Christchurch from 14 to 16 September 2022 for the first time since 2008.
Across three days, 1,110 attended, including exhibitors and sponsors. The event was managed by The Conference Company.
Conference convenor, Rob Callaghan said NZPF members were excited to be meeting again, and Christchurch was the perfect destination, with so much new infrastructure and activities on offer.
Conference convenor - Rob CallaghanWe were blown away by the response to the conference, and Christchurch as host city with Te Pae as the venue was a huge drawcard. The flexibility of the spaces in this vast venue proved beneficial for us. Combined with a great programme of high-calibre speakers, we had a sell-out event,”
“We were blown away by the response to the conference, and Christchurch as host city with Te Pae as the venue was a huge drawcard. The flexibility of the spaces in this vast venue proved beneficial for us. Combined with a great programme of high-calibre speakers, we had a sell-out event,” he said.
Smaller schools and rural schools were given financial assistance to attend the event by the NZPF, which helped boost numbers.
The conference theme - Aotearoa and Beyond - focused on the huge talent and knowledge here in New Zealand.
“Our speakers from Christchurch were world class, including inspirational futurist Kaila Colbin, and education expert Dr Cheryl Doig. As well, a high calibre team of doctors and professors from University of Canterbury presented their ground-breaking research on literacy.”
A panel of three young Canterbury speakers, plus local school students shared their first-hand insights as youth leaders.
The conference dinner at Wigram’s Air Force Museum of New Zealand was attended by 600 guests and proved to be a masterclass in how to host a large group seamlessly.
Conference convenor - Rob CallaghanVenues Ōtautahi helped us all the way, delivering an excellent event. One thing that impressed guests was their focus on sourcing local produce, with the superb menu listing where the produce had come from for each course,”
“Venues Ōtautahi helped us all the way, delivering an excellent event. One thing that impressed guests was their focus on sourcing local produce, with the superb menu listing where the produce had come from for each course,” Callaghan said.
To ensure guests were seated successfully, drinks and canapes were served in the main foyer before guests were called in ceremonially by local Māori iwi, moving in groups to be greeted by local principals who welcomed them to their tables. The event was themed by local Christchurch company, Theme Productions.
Christchurch was an inspiring and beautiful place to meet in Spring, and the weather was superb for an afternoon of outdoor activities exploring the city.
Delegates were able to take in the best of Christchurch, highlighting the breadth of experiences on offer. They could choose from Adventure Park mountain biking and hiking, kayaking, punting or paddling waka on the Ōtakaro Avon river, a guided tour of the Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum tours, cultural walking tours, and a city tram ride.
During their time off delegates made the most of Christchurch central city bars, restaurants and cafes. After the conference, many stayed on for the weekend to explore more of the region.
Key Statistics
PCO: The Conference Company
Venue: Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
Duration: 3 days
Pax: 1,100 delegates, including 200 exhibitors
Dinner: 600 guests for conference dinner – Air Force Museum
