“Whāngaia te hihiri kia tipu ai te auaha.”
Feed the spirit, nurture the mind, and creativity will grow

Our conference logo is a collaborative artwork created by Pukekohe High School Toi Māori students Hinenui Clarke, Tia Nove, Shilah Robinson, and Stevie Foster, working alongside Mrs Lisa Purda from Pukekohe High School and Mr Zane Carter, the Art Teacher extraordinaire from Mt Roskill Grammar School. Zane sharpened his Illustrator skills to bring this design to life, and he will be sharing the story of its creation at conference.

Lisa and Zane introduced the vision for the conference by speaking with students about the metaphor of a tree — how kaiako (teachers) share their knowledge, skills, and experience with ākonga (students), enabling them to grow, flourish, and eventually scatter like seeds in the wind. In time, those seeds grow into their own trees, continuing the cycle of learning, growth, and contribution.

The students explored the idea that trees come in many shapes, sizes, and varieties, just like learners and educators. They discussed how trees are nourished through their roots — symbolising creative passions — and strengthened through their connection to whenua, the land that grounds and sustains them.

At the top of the logo and around the exterior of the logo we see a water droplet, representing wai, the life-giving water that refreshes and sustains the tree. It also acknowledges the waters surrounding Tāmaki Makaurau, and the cityscape of Auckland itself.

This conference will be a curated into ‘strands’ so you can easily navigate your way through these very special few days.