2026 ARPTE Conference - Shared Wisdom. Shared Practice

The biennial conference of the Association for Reflective Practice in Theological Education (ARPTE, formerly known as ANZATFE) will be held at Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat & Conference Centre in Auckland from 16-18 November 2026.

Together we will explore the expansive theme of Shared Wisdom. Shared Practice. A feature of the conference will be its collaborative workshop approach. Keynote speakers are Cathryn McKinney and Sean Gilbert. Dr Cathryn McKinney is the Program Director of Professional Supervision at the University of Divinity and is greatly respected in her field. Rev Dr Sean Gilbert is President of ARPTE and has recently retired as the Director of Pastoral Theology and Ministry Practice at Uniting College, SA. He is greatly interested in the relationship between professional reflective practice and a contemplative stance within the world.

Abstracts for workshop-style presentations are invited and can be emailed to reflectivepracticearpte@gmail.com (by September 13th). More details and the Call for Papers can be found here: ARPTE - Call For Papers

The conference is intentionally designed with space for reflection built into the programme, and submitted presentations will include substantial time for collaborative reflection. In-person attendance is particularly encouraged, but an option for attendance and presentation via Zoom is also available.

Please note, all ticket prices are in $AU. The ARPTE Executive has readily agreed to subsidise NZ Resident registrations due to the considerable disparity between currency exchange rates. Because of this, the normal membership discount for NZ members of ARPTE will not apply.

Membership discount:

For Australian ARPTE members, please email Grace at reflectivepracticearpte@gmail.com to receive an access code for 10% off your full-time conference registration ticket. The discount does not apply to any other items. 

Please note, the membership discount applies to Australian members only. The ARPTE Executive has readily agreed to subsidise NZ resident registrations due to the considerable disparity between currency exchange rates. Because of this, the normal membership discount for NZ members of ARPTE will not apply.

Accommodation:

Vaughan Park offers accommodation. Please be aware that rooms are limited and are on a first come, first serve basis. 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a booking.

Special ARPTE Bed & Breakfast Packages

Price per person per night, includes continental breakfast*

Single room $120.60NZD

Shared twin room (double occupancy)  $115.20NZD per person.

Please note, bathroom facilities are shared and there are no self-catering facilities - all meals must be pre-booked with the venue.

*Any dietary requirements will incur a further $4NZD dietary surcharge

To book, please contact Alana Ramsay at admin@vaughanpark.org.nz 

Please feel welcome to explore other accommodations in the area.

Conference Dinner and Tourist Activity

On Monday evening, we will host an off-site conference dinner, with attendees covering their own expenses. On Tuesday evening, there will be an optional ferry trip to Auckland, where highlights include the Sky Tower, Albert Park, and Viaduct Harbour.

Catering:

Catering at the conference includes morning teas, lunches, afternoon teas, and tea and coffee. Dietary requirements will be gladly accommodated. 

Information on meal offerings can be found here.

Public Transport

Public transport options in Auckland can be found here.

Airport shuttle information can be found here.

Queries:

Email reflectivepracticearpte@gmail.com for any queries.