20 Education Conference Speakers Across New Zealand

Last updated: 10 August 2026.

New Zealand's education and workplace conversations are shaped by people who can move between evidence, culture and action. The speakers below work across education leadership, assessment, independent schools, adult learning, workplace strategy and inclusion.

A good conference speaker does more than fill a slot. They give a room a useful question, a clearer picture of the challenge and a practical way to keep the conversation moving after the event. This list brings together people whose current work gives them something meaningful to add.

Why these speakers are worth watching.

The strongest names in this space do not all sound the same. Some lead schools or education organisations. Some work with assessment, adult learning or community development. Others bring research, economics, workplace culture or lived experience into the room.

That mix matters. Education leaders are dealing with learning, belonging, workforce pressure, technology and trust at the same time. A useful speaker helps people see the connection between those issues and leaves them with a next question they can use.

1. Dr Jacqui Patuawa.

National Manager, Leadership Development Services, Evaluation Associates.

Her work connects leadership development with the day-to-day reality of schools and teams. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Dr Jacqui Patuawa offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

2. Hineihaea Murphy.

Managing Director, Haemata Associates.

She brings an enterprise and Māori leadership lens to conversations about assessment and improvement. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Hineihaea Murphy offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

3. Nicholas Pole.

Chief Executive and Chief Review Officer, Education Review Office.

His role sits close to the evidence leaders use to understand what is happening across education. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Nicholas Pole offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

4. Arihia Stirling.

Principal, Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae.

She represents school leadership grounded in a Māori-medium education setting. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Arihia Stirling offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

5. Professor Jenny Poskitt.

President, New Zealand Assessment Institute.

Her presence keeps assessment, learning and leadership connected rather than treated as separate conversations. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Professor Jenny Poskitt offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

6. Kim Green.

Executive Principal, Kristin School.

She brings the perspective of a senior school leader working across a complex independent-school community. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Kim Green offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

7. Daniel Cooper.

Principal, Liger Leadership Academy.

His role reflects the importance of leadership models that give students real responsibility and direction. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Daniel Cooper offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

8. Dan Reddiex.

Headmaster, Dilworth School.

He brings a headmaster's view of culture, care and practical leadership in a school community. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Dan Reddiex offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

9. Jehan Casinader.

Journalist, keynote speaker and mental health advocate, Independent.

His work gives education leaders a direct way to think about the human side of performance and wellbeing. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Jehan Casinader offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

10. Christine Leighton.

Deputy Chair, Independent Schools of New Zealand Board.

She brings governance and sector leadership into a conversation usually dominated by classroom practice. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Christine Leighton offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

11. Tracey Hickey.

Senior Education Consultant, Hutton Consulting.

Her consulting work helps connect school leadership needs with the people and decisions that support them. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Tracey Hickey offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

12. Dr Colin Kennedy.

Chief Growth Officer, Creative HQ.

He adds an innovation and growth perspective to the question of how education organisations keep moving. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Dr Colin Kennedy offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

13. Kate Meyer.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Planetary Accounting Network.

Her work brings long-term thinking and measurable impact into leadership conversations. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Kate Meyer offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

14. Charmaine Tukua-Pouwhare.

Senior Educator, Ara Institute of Canterbury.

She brings an adult-learning perspective that is close to the practical needs of learners and communities. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Charmaine Tukua-Pouwhare offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

15. Heidi Renata.

Founder and Chief Energy Officer, INNOV8HQ.

Her work invites leaders to think about energy, creativity and change as connected parts of the learning experience. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Heidi Renata offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

16. Fesaitu Solomone.

Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Pacific Languages.

She brings Pacific language leadership to a wider conversation about belonging, identity and adult learning. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Fesaitu Solomone offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

17. Ta’i Richards.

General Manager, Cook Islands Development Agency New Zealand.

His community development role gives the conference conversation a strong connection to Pacific communities in Aotearoa. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Ta’i Richards offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

18. Saylene Tanielu-Ulberg.

Educator and facilitator, Ako Aotearoa.

Her work sits where tertiary learning, facilitation and practical improvement meet. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Saylene Tanielu-Ulberg offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

19. Shamubeel Eaqub.

Chief Economist, Simplicity.

He helps leaders connect workplace decisions with the wider economic and social forces shaping New Zealand. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Shamubeel Eaqub offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

20. Associate Professor Dr Suze Wilson.

Associate Professor and senior lecturer, Massey University School of Management.

Her research and teaching add a thoughtful organisational lens to inclusion and leadership. Their perspective is especially useful for audiences trying to turn broad education or workplace goals into choices that people can understand and act on. The value is not only in the subject matter. It is in the way a strong leader helps a group name the real issue underneath the surface question.

For event organisers, Associate Professor Dr Suze Wilson offers a clear bridge between expertise and practical conversation. Their work can help a room move from general agreement to a sharper discussion about what leaders, educators and teams should do next. That makes this a useful name to consider when the event needs substance as well as energy.

What this group has in common.

Across the list, four patterns keep showing up: practical leadership, attention to people, respect for evidence and a willingness to work across boundaries. The speakers come from different parts of New Zealand's education and workplace landscape, but they share an interest in what changes when ideas meet real organisations.

The best choice will depend on the audience. A school leadership group may need someone who understands culture and governance. A tertiary or adult learning audience may need a sharper focus on access and community. A workplace event may benefit from a speaker who can connect inclusion, economics and performance.

How to choose the right speaker.

Start with the change you want the audience to make. Then choose the person whose current work gives them authority to help with that change. Ask whether the room needs a new frame, a practical method, a challenge to old assumptions or a story that helps people feel the issue differently.

It is also worth thinking about the conversation after the keynote. The best event design gives people time to apply the idea to their own team, school or organisation. A speaker becomes much more valuable when the audience knows what to do with the insight on Monday morning.

Frequently asked questions.

What does this feature cover?

It brings together people active in New Zealand education, workplace, inclusion, assessment, school leadership and adult learning conversations. The full entries give enough role and organisation context to help an organiser make a useful first shortlist.

Are these all keynote speakers?

No. The list includes keynote speakers, presenters, panellists, conference hosts and leaders whose current roles make them relevant to the event conversation. Check the latest event or speaker information before making a booking.

Can one of these speakers work with a school or leadership team?

Potentially. The right fit depends on the audience, the desired outcome and the format. A keynote, workshop or facilitated conversation each needs a different brief, so start by defining the change you want people to make.

What should an organiser send in a first enquiry?

Share the audience, event purpose, date range, location, preferred format and the practical change you want after the event. A clear brief makes it easier to judge fit and shape a useful session.

Related reading.

You may also find these useful: Working Genius and executive teams, educational leadership speakers, and leadership team alignment.

If you are planning an event and want help choosing a practical leadership speaker, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

About the author.

Jonno White is the founder of Consult Clarity. He helps leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at. His work is practical rather than motivational: something people can use on Monday morning, not a feeling that fades by Friday.