TŪ TOA 2026: Creating Māori Success in Education

Education has always been one of the most powerful vehicles for Māori advancement. Across generations, Māori have drawn on mātauranga Māori, whānau aspirations, innovation, leadership and determination to create transformative educational success.

From kōhanga reo and kura kaupapa Māori, to wānanga, schools, tertiary institutions, research organisations and community-led initiatives, Māori continue to reimagine what educational excellence can look like in Aotearoa and beyond.

Tū Toa 2026 brings together an outstanding group of Māori and allied education leaders to explore a critical question: How do we create Māori success in education in the next decade? Through keynote presentations and interactive wānanga, participants will examine proven models of success, emerging opportunities, contemporary challenges and the leadership required to create transformational outcomes for future generations.

Together, we will identify the insights, principles and practices that can strengthen educational achievement across whānau, hapū, iwi, communities and institutions.

This conference is more than a professional development event. It is an opportunity to contribute to the future of Māori education and to the wider nation-building journey of Aotearoatanga.

As knowledge has been passed from generation to generation, so too must we gather, share and apply the wisdom of today's educational leaders. Join us as we celebrate Māori success, strengthen educational leadership, and help shape the next chapter of educational transformation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Confirmed Speakers
• Evie O'Brien – Chief Executive Officer, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
• Kaapua Smith – Partner, KPMG
• Dr Peggy Burrows – Principal, Haeata Community Campus, Christchurch
• Dr Mahinaarangi Baker – Managing Director, Te Kōnae, TWOR;
• Dr Areti Metuamate – Master and Head, Ormond College, University of Melbourne;
• Dr Alex Barnes, Te Rau Ora, Te Rau Rangahau Manager;
• Anika Edginton – Wellington NZ.

MC's

Kara Nepe-Apatu and Elena Higgison

Tū Toa 2026 is hosted by:
Kathie Irwin and Associates  and The Mana Wahine Foundation (Registered NZ Charity). Any proceeds from the conference will be donated to The Mana Wahine Foundation to further its charitable purposes.

SPONSORED BY: TE WĀNANGA O AOTEAROA.

Tū Toa 2026 – Creating Māori Success in Education

Celebrating excellence. Sharing knowledge. Building the future.

Registration opens from 8.30am

Coffee and muffins available on arrival

Start time 9am - Finishing at 5pm