Stepping into a new school year as a DP or AP often means hitting the ground running. Operational demands take precedence, forcing you to focus on management tasks, often without a moment to pause, reflect, or strategically prepare.

This summit was intentionally created to give you that crucial space for focused professional development. It is a dedicated, high-quality leadership summit designed specifically around the challenges and areas you want to learn more about that are unique to New Zealand's AP and DP roles.

Before you step into the demands of 2026, this is your moment to learn from inspiring speakers, take away knowledge to share with your school, and significantly strengthen your role as a leader in your school.

Tools for Time
Lead with Impact

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 incorporates 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 with other like minded leaders.

• 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.

Event Schedule & Experience

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.

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.

Bex Rose 
AI & Leadership Consultant (AI Surge)

As a dedicated specialist, Bex provides the practical steps and tailored examples needed to seamlessly integrate smart tools, fundamentally enhancing time management, planning, and communication within an NZ school context. With a proven track record working with over 5,000 educators and hundreds of leaders nationwide, Bex excels at bridging the gap between AI technology and real-world application.

Blair Dravitski
Principal

As Principal of Lemonwood Grove School and a key spokesperson for the New Zealand Principals' Federation, he brings significant authority to educational leadership discussions. Holding a Masters of Educational Leadership, he will share crucial lessons learned from navigating periods of crisis and large-scale change in Christchurch, offering invaluable insights for current leaders.

Kirstin Davis

Psychologist & Neurodiversity Specialist

Explore what inclusive leadership really means. Kirstin will guide you through the latest research and practical approaches for leading neurodiverse teams and supporting learners with diverse needs.

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 – 'Fill your cup' through learning and connection at the summit so that you can continue to 'pour' at your school!

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

Your Investment

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can multiple leaders from the same school attend?
Yes — many schools choose to send both their Principal and Deputy or Assistant Principal. 

Is accommodation included?
Flights and accommodation are not included, but recommended hotels and group rates will be provided after registration.

Will I receive a certificate of attendance?
Absolutely. Each participant receives a digital Certificate of Attendance for their professional learning portfolio.

Can dietary or accessibility needs be accommodated?
Yes — please note any requirements when you register so we can ensure every delegate is fully supported.

Are these events aligned with NZ PLD priorities?
Yes. Both events align with national priorities around digital capability, inclusive leadership, and wellbeing in education.

Who can I contact for questions?
Email events@aisurge.com.au for any registration or programme enquiries.

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.

Let's Get You Registered

Spaces are limited, so secure your place early to join New Zealand’s most forward-thinking Deputy and Assistant Principals.

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