The start of each school year brings with it fresh challenges, heavier demands, and ever-rising expectations. The pressure to lead with both heart and efficiency has never been greater. That’s why we’ve created a space designed exclusively for you — the Deputy and Assistant Principals who form the backbone of New Zealand’s educational leadership.

The Lead Smarter Summit 2026 is not just another conference. It’s a strategic, purpose-driven gathering focused entirely on how you can lead your team, your students, and yourself with clarity, purpose, and confidence in an ever-changing educational landscape.

Across two transformative days, you’ll explore the tools, strategies, and wellbeing practices that will define the future of school leadership. This is your opportunity to step out of the day-to-day noise, reconnect with your purpose, and reset your approach to leadership for the year ahead.

You’ll leave feeling refocused, re-energised, and equipped with both actionable strategies and renewed inspiration — ready to navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2026 with confidence.

🧠 Tools for Time – Lead Smarter

Discover practical, hands-on ways to leverage technology and AI to simplify your work, streamline your communication, and reclaim your time. You’ll explore real-life examples of how digital platforms and artificial intelligence can transform your leadership capacity — from automating reports and analysing data to enhancing communication with staff and whānau.

This session is all about turning technology from a “nice-to-have” into a strategic leadership ally — empowering you to focus more on people and pedagogy, not paperwork.

📈 Strategies for Traction – Lead with Impact

Every school faces complex challenges — from staff alignment to resource management to change leadership. Learn from experienced educational leaders and innovators who have built thriving teams and high-performing school cultures.

You’ll gain frameworks, case studies, and leadership tools that are not only relevant to the New Zealand education context but also instantly applicable. By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with a clear plan to strengthen collaboration, drive accountability, and build positive traction within your leadership team.

🌿 Sustainable Wellbeing – Te Whare Tapa Whā

Effective leadership begins with balance — and balance begins with wellbeing. Guided by the Māori health model Te Whare Tapa Whā, this part of the summit explores holistic wellbeing across four dimensions:

• Taha Tinana (Physical Health) – Maintaining physical energy and vitality in a demanding role.

• Taha Hinengaro (Mental Health) – Strengthening focus, emotional resilience, and clarity of thought.

• Taha Whānau (Social Wellbeing) – Building meaningful connections and collective support within your school community.

• Taha Wairua (Spiritual Wellbeing) – Reconnecting with your purpose and values as a leader.

🤝 High-Value Networking – The Leadership Connect

Build meaningful connections before the summit even begins. The Leadership Connect evening event on Thursday 19 March offers the perfect opportunity to meet your peers, share stories, and exchange insights over drinks and canapés.

You’ll network with other Deputy and Assistant Principals from across Aotearoa — forming relationships that continue to support you throughout the year. These connections often become your sounding board, your source of advice, and your professional community long after the summit ends.

🎤 Meet the Speakers Who Inspire Change

We’ve gathered some of New Zealand’s most respected voices in leadership, wellbeing, and digital transformation to guide you through two days of transformative learning.

Jenny-May Clarkson – Keynote Speaker

Known for her deep insight into leadership and culture, Jenny-May will explore what it means to lead with authenticity, compassion, and courage. Her keynote sets the tone for two days of growth and reconnection.

Bex Rose – AI & Leadership Consultant (AI Surge)

A specialist in digital strategy and AI for leadership, Bex will show you exactly how to integrate smart tools to enhance time management, planning, and communication — with practical examples tailored for NZ schools.

Sam Gibson – Digital Leadership Expert (Noel Leeming)

Learn from one of New Zealand’s foremost advocates of technology-enabled school leadership. Sam’s expertise lies in bridging the gap between innovation and everyday practicality.

🗓️ Event Schedule, Experience & Venue

The Lead Smarter Summit is purposefully designed to spark transformation — combining strategy, innovation, and wellbeing into an experience that leaves you inspired, equipped, and re-energised for the year ahead.

🌍 Why This Summit is Different

Reset your focus, elevate your leadership, and prepare for a year of clarity, confidence, and meaningful impact. The Lead Smarter Summit 2026 is a two-day, high-impact event designed exclusively for New Zealand’s Deputy and Assistant Principals. Join a community of forward-thinking leaders ready to embrace innovation, strengthen wellbeing, and lead their schools into the future with balance and intent.

1. Time-Saving AI Tools – Practical, easy-to-use digital solutions that streamline admin and free up time for what matters most.

2. Strategic Clarity – Frameworks to align your leadership team and drive purposeful, lasting change.

3. Inclusive Leadership Practices – Insight into supporting neurodiverse learners and fostering staff belonging.

4. Sustainable Wellbeing – Evidence-based strategies grounded in Te Whare Tapa Whā to protect your energy and balance.

5. Professional Connection – A powerful network of peers and thought leaders to support your growth beyond the summit.

The Not so Fine Print

Alright, deep breath — it’s time for the official bit: our Terms & Conditions! We’ve kept things as clear and straightforward as possible because we know this isn’t exactly your favourite reading material. Still, these details matter — they outline the key information, expectations, and “what ifs” that ensure everything runs smoothly. Think of this as our shared roadmap for a seamless, stress-free, and inspiring summit experience.

Our full terms and conditions can be viewed here.

💰 Your Investment in Leadership Excellence

The Lead Smarter Summit 2026 isn’t just an event — it’s a strategic investment in your professional growth, personal wellbeing, and future impact as a school leader. Over two transformative days, you’ll gain the tools, clarity, and connections to lead with purpose and confidence in 2026 and beyond.

🔗 Reserve Your Seat

Spaces are limited, so secure your place early to join New Zealand’s most forward-thinking school leaders.

📍  Lenovo Head Office, Britomart, Auckland

 🗓️ 19–20 March 2026

💰  $950 NZD ex GST (early bird $850 by 30th November 2025)

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