Authentic Partnerships in ECE Research Symposium
Kia Whakatōmuru te haere whakamua – With our eyes on the past, we move into the future
Date: Friday, 10 October 2025
Location: Toi Ohomai Windermere Campus, A Block, Tauranga
We are thrilled to share that our keynote speakers have been confirmed, and the programme for our free Early Childhood Education Symposium is now taking shape!
This special gathering is more than a day of presentations – it is a space for wānanga, for sharing kōrero, for igniting whakaaro that can shape the future of early childhood education in Aotearoa.
This year’s Kaupapa, Authentic Partnerships in ECE, invites us to reflect deeply on the relationships that uplift our tamariki, whanau, kaiako, hapori and iwi. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher, a passionate kaiako, or simply someone with a heart of early years education – this hui is for you.
There will be inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on breakout sessions, nourishing kai (morning tea and lunch included), and space for meaningful connection.
We welcome you to be part of this Kaupapa – to fill the room with your wairua, your stories, and your vision for a collective future in early childhood education.
| Time | Kaupapa |
| 8:45am – 9:00am | Registration |
| 9:00am – 9:15am | Whakatau |
| 9:15am – 10:00am |
Keynote: Mere Berryman – The University of Waikato Room A01 – Lecture Theatre |
| 10:00am – 10:15am | Paramanawa – Morning Tea |
| 10:15am – 10:40am |
Breakout Session 1 Room A01: Roberta Skeoch, Amplifying the voice of Mokopuna and Whanau in Assessment Room A02: Danielle Carter, Lindsay Wharekura, Embodied Partnerships in ITE: Relational Leadership and Mentoring through Ako and Whanaungatanga Room A03: Fenella Wilson, Te Whāriki as a lens for building inclusive and collaborative teams: Strengthening team culture and community |
| 10:45am – 11:10am |
Breakout Session 2 Room A01: Chrissie Keepa, He reo ka ora i ngā hononga tūturu: normalising te reo Māori through Authentic partnerships in ECE Room A02: Arya Prithviraj, Curious Hearts, Calm Minds: Relationship Building and Neuroscience in ECE through a South Indian Lens Room A03: Catherine Vaughan, Associate Teachers as Mentors – Supporting Educational Transformation |
| 11:15am – 11:50am |
Presentation: Rose-Anne London – The Teaching Council Room A01 – Lecture Theatre Empowering Early Childhood Education Teachers: Building Stronger Leadership Skills Pilot Programme |
| 11:50am – 12:30pm | Wā tina - Lunch |
| 12:30pm – 1:10pm |
Workshop: Tanya Savage – The University of Waikato Room A01: Lecture Theatre Indigenisation vs Cultural Inclusion in ECE |
| 1.10pm – 1.35pm |
Breakout Session 3 Room A01: Raella Kahuroa, Horizons of Hope: Humanising Research through Critical Pedagogy in Early Childhood Education Room A02: Chedly Fernando, Picture books as Pathways: Normalising Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori through Kaitiakitanga in ECE Room A03: Mallory and Anna, Learning Through Relationships: Strengthening Partnerships in the ECE Practicum Landscape. |
| 1.35pm – 2.00pm |
Keynote: Nicola Daly Room A01 – Lecture Theatre Using reo rua pukapikitia (dual language picture books) to support te reo Māori as a living everyday language in ECE settings |
| 2.00pm – 2.15pm | Karakia whakakapi and Closing |