Source: New Zealand Principals’ Federation
Around 1,000 school principals from across Aotearoa will join delegates from over 20 countries in Auckland this week as the New Zealand Principals’ Federation hosts the 2026 International Confederation of Principals Convention.
Running from 16 to 18 September at the New Zealand International Convention Centre, the global event will be one of the largest gatherings of school leaders New Zealand has ever seen.
“The ICP 2026 Convention is a unique opportunity for New Zealand school leaders to connect and strengthen international collaboration in education,” NZPF National President Jason Miles says.
“The rich programme of keynote sessions, practical workshops, and special events makes it a dynamic space for New Zealand principals to connect with others facing similar challenges across the world, all while showcasing Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique cultural identity on a global stage,” he says.
International speakers include Dr LaQuanta Nelson, a renowned leadership, culture, and performance strategist from Mississippi, and Louka Parry, an award-winning educator based in Adelaide and founder of The Learning Future. Also speaking are Professor Peter O’Connor, celebrated New Zealand educator, technology entrepreneur Sir Ian Taylor, and All Blacks leadership and mental performance coach Gilbert Enoka.
The convention’s theme, Purapura Korari, Ka ruia e te hau, The Four Winds, is rooted in Aotearoa but aimed at the world. It emphasises both the nurturing of local traditions and the importance of global exchange, Mr Miles says.
“We have drawn inspiration from the flax bush and its seeds as symbols for generations of learners, equity in education, and the global spread of ideas,” he says.
“As the winds carry seeds across the world, ICP 2026 will carry forward innovative practices, cultural wisdom, and leadership strategies to shape the future of schools worldwide,” says Jason Miles.
Event information: icp2026nz.com
About the New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF)
The NZPF is New Zealand’s leading advocacy group for principals. Its members lead diverse school communities, from remote rural kura to large urban facilities, serving students from all backgrounds and with all learning needs. It is the professional voice for school leaders, equipping principals with the tools, support, and knowledge they need to lead schools where every child can thrive. www.nzpf.ac.nz
About International Confederation of Principals (ICP)
The ICP is the only global network of national school leader associations. It is dedicated to the development, support, and promotion of school leadership. The convention is held in different locations every two years, most recently being hosted in Mombasa, Kenya, in 2024 by the Kenyan Secondary School Heads Association. www.icponline.org