AI & Educational Leadership 2026
The AI-Ready Principal Programme
Presented by AI Surge in partnership with
Lead the AI Era — or Be Left Behind
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping education faster than any reform in history. While some schools react, visionary Principals are leading the change.
This is your moment to step forward — to lead with vision, integrity, and the strategic understanding needed to navigate education in the age of AI. The future of learning is being shaped right now, and as a school leader, your ability to guide your kura through this transformation has never been more important. This exclusive professional learning journey is designed for 20 forward-thinking New Zealand Principals ready to embrace that challenge — leaders who want to not only understand AI, but to implement it ethically, thoughtfully, and with confidence across their schools.
Over the course of the year, you’ll take part in Google-hosted leadership intensives, gain front-row access to global innovation at EduTech Sydney, and explore AI-enabled schools across Aotearoa and Australia. Every experience is designed to deepen your strategic perspective, expand your professional network, and provide the practical tools to future-proof your leadership and your school. This isn’t just professional development — it’s a transformative journey that will redefine how you lead in the digital age.
Who it's For
Principals who want to move beyond curiosity about AI and lead its implementation with integrity, clarity, and confidence.
Whether you lead a large urban school or a smaller rural kura with limited staffing, this programme is designed to meet you where you are and support you to lead confidently in your context.
Join a national cohort of forward-thinking leaders shaping what ethical, future-focused school leadership looks like.
Why Attend
Because the future of education is being written now — and it needs informed leaders at the helm. Across four terms you’ll:
- Master AI fundamentals and governance
- Experience global innovation at EduTech Sydney
- Lead implementation in your school, regardless of your size, resourcing, or starting point
- Build a custom AI Guidelines Framework and Leadership Playbook
- Earn recognition as an AI-Ready Principal
Your Full Year of AI Leadership Transformation
This isn’t another PD day — it’s a strategic leadership journey crafted for Principals ready to move from curiosity to capability.
| Term | Focus | Delivery Format | Key Transformation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | AI in Leadership & Guidelines | Full-day PD at Google Auckland | Master the fundamentals of AI in education. Draft your school’s AI Guidelines. Build your leadership network. |
| Term 2 | EduTech Sydney & Study Tour | 2–5 June 2026 | Immerse yourself in the world’s largest EdTech event. Learn from global leaders. Visit AI-enabled schools. |
| Term 3 | Leading Implementation | Online PLG | Turn strategy into action. Drive staff confidence and capability. |
| Term 4 | Reflection & Future Planning | Online PLG + Coaching | Measure your impact, refine your vision, and future-proof your school for 2027. |
Your Professional Leadership Network
Join a national Professional Learning Group (PLG) of visionary Principals led by AI Surge specialists.
Together, you’ll collaborate, share insights, and gain practical support as you roll out AI across your kura.
The PLG model ensures leaders from different regions, school types, and staffing structures can learn from one another and apply strategies that fit their unique context. You’ll Receive:
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4x PLG sessions (one per term)
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2x small-group leadership coaching sessions
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Access to a private online community & shared AI resources
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Templates, policy frameworks, and implementation tools
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Ongoing accountability and collaboration
Be part of the first NZ Principal cohort defining what ethical, impactful AI leadership truly looks like — no matter the size or setting of your school.
By the End of 2026:
By the end of your AI & Educational Leadership 2026 journey, you won’t just understand AI — you’ll have the strategy, tools, and confidence to lead it in your school’s unique context, whether large or small, urban or rural.
This programme is built for action, not theory — giving you everything you need to guide your school through the next era of education with purpose and precision. You’ll leave not just inspired, but equipped — ready to influence, implement, and innovate with clarity and conviction.
✅ A custom AI Guidelines Framework for your school
✅ A Leadership Playbook & Strategic AI Roadmap
✅ A BOT presentation toolkit to lead confident conversations
✅ An Annual Readiness Checklist for future audits
✅ National recognition as an AI-Ready Principal
This is not theory — it’s transformation built to work in every school context, from large secondary campuses to small rural kura.
Sydney PD & EduTech Experience
(2-5 June)
Step into the epicentre of educational innovation. Your Sydney experience is more than professional development — it’s an immersive leadership transformation designed to inspire, challenge, and connect you with the brightest minds shaping the future of education.
Tuesday 2nd June
AI Leadership at Google HQ
Hosted at Google Sydney, this intensive strategy day equips you to:
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Lead AI with purpose and confidence
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Build ethical frameworks and governance models
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Access templates and case studies from leading schools
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Network with Google specialists and trans-Tasman education leaders
Followed by a hosted dinner — an evening of connection and collaboration.
Wednesday 3rd June & Thursday 4th June
EduTech Sydney 2026
Experience the Southern Hemisphere’s largest EdTech summit — where ideas, technology, and leadership collide.
We'll help map your sessions strategically, attend thought leadership panels, and join exclusive networking events.
Optional highlight: a Sydney Harbour networking cruise — an unforgettable way to connect with peers shaping the future.
Friday 4th June
School Visit & Reflection
Visit a leading Sydney school pioneering AI integration.
Observe classrooms in action, hear from their leadership team, and reflect on what’s next for your kura over a hosted lunch — with space to discuss how these approaches translate to different New Zealand contexts.
Ongoing Support
Your registration includes:
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A dedicated online leadership community for updates and resources
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Quarterly newsletters with frameworks, case studies, and success stories across different school types and settings
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Optional 1:1 coaching or in-school PD for your leadership team
Support is tailored so leaders from a range of kura — large, small, rural, urban, and everything in between — can sustain momentum beyond the programme.
Your Investment in Transformative Leadership
This isn’t just another PD expense — it’s an investment in the future of your leadership and your school’s success.
The AI & Educational Leadership 2026 Programme offers world-class professional development, international exposure, and ongoing support to help you lead confidently in the age of AI.
$4,495 NZD (+ GST)
Your registration includes a full year of professional learning, from the Google Auckland Leadership Kick-off to the EduTech Sydney Study Tour and follow-up coaching. You’ll also gain exclusive resources, toolkits, and networking experiences — including hosted dinners, school visits, and ongoing support throughout 2026.
Includes:
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Full-year Professional Learning Group (PLG) access
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Google Auckland Leadership Kick-off (Term 1)
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EduTech Sydney & Study Tour (June 2026)
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Coaching sessions in Terms 3 & 4
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Comprehensive resources, templates, and leadership toolkits
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Hosted dinners, networking functions, and school visits in Sydney
Flights and accommodation not included. AI Surge will provide recommended hotel options and group discounts.
Secure Your Place Today
Spaces are strictly limited to 20 school leaders for the 2026 cohort.
To confirm your spot:
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Pay a $1,000 NZD deposit
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Remaining balance of $3,495 due by 28th February 2026
Once places are filled, registration will close — no extensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this programme designed for?
This programme is designed exclusively for New Zealand school Principals who are ready to lead AI implementation across their kura with confidence, clarity, and purpose — regardless of school size, decile, or region.
How many places are available?
The 2026 cohort is limited to 20 Principals to ensure a highly personalised and collaborative experience. Once all places are filled, registrations will close.
What is included in the registration fee?
- Your registration includes:
- Full-year access to the Professional Learning Group (PLG)
- Google Auckland Leadership Kick-off (Term 1)
- EduTech Sydney & Study Tour (June 2026)
- Coaching sessions in Terms 3 & 4
- Comprehensive resources, templates, and toolkits
- Hosted dinners, networking functions, and Sydney school visits
Are flights and accommodation included?
No — flights and accommodation are not included. However, AI Surge will provide recommended hotel options and group discounts for the Sydney study tour.
A $1,000 NZD deposit is required to confirm your place, with the remaining balance due by 28th February 2026. Spaces are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations received before 31 January 2026 will receive a refund minus a $250 administration fee. After this date, fees are non-refundable, but a replacement delegate from the same school may attend. Full details are available in the Terms & Conditions.
Is the programme aligned with New Zealand PLD priorities?
Yes — it aligns with national priorities in digital capability, wellbeing, inclusive practice, and future-focused leadership, with strategies that can be adapted to different staffing and resource environments.
Will I receive a certificate of completion?
Yes — all participants receive a Certificate of Completion and recognition as an AI-Ready Principal at the end of the programme.
Who can I contact for more information?
For any queries, please contact events@aisurge.com.au
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!