Earth and Space Science Teachers Day 2026: Full Auckland Programme & Kaiako Opportunities
Teachers looking to connect with subject specialists and unpack the refreshed curriculum can now view the full itinerary for the upcoming Earth and Space Science Teachers Day at the University of Auckland on Monday 9 November 2026. Bringing together primary, intermediate, and secondary kaiako from across Tāmaki Makaurau, this full-day professional learning event bridges cutting-edge New Zealand research in volcanology, stratospheric drones, and satellite engineering with practical classroom implementation.
What to Expect at the Earth and Space Science Teachers Day
Hosted in Building 302 (Room 130) at the corner of Symonds and Wellesley Streets from 9:00 AM sharp to 3:00 PM, the programme combines scientist keynotes, a collaborative problem-solving hackathon, and dedicated curriculum sessions:
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM: Karakia and welcome with Ross Stephen.
9:10 AM – 10:30 AM: Craig Miller (GNS Science) on volcano monitoring and eruption forecasting; Roger Warren and Alex Rowe-Meerdink on high-altitude drones exploring conditions in the stratosphere; and John Smith introducing the ESS Hackathon.
10:50 AM – 12:30 PM: Catherine Qualtrough and Ben Taylor on the TPA-2 satellite project and what schools can learn from proposed student-linked space missions, followed by the collaborative ESS Hackathon and prize judging.
1:30 PM – 2:50 PM: Ross Stephen and Najin Brock (ESSENZ) presenting on global perspectives and challenges in Earth Science education alongside Phase 4 and Phase 5 curriculum changes.
Event Details & Registration
Date & Time: Monday 9 November 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM NZDT
Location: University of Auckland, Building 302, Room 130 (Symonds & Wellesley St, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland)
Organisers: University of Auckland & Earth and Space Science Educators NZ (ESSENZ)
Register Here: Complete the UoA ESS Teacher Day Registration Form
More Term 4 Kaiako Opportunities Across the Motu
Regional ESS Teacher Days: Save the date for the Pūtaruru College ESS Teachers Day on Friday 27 November (queries to Jim Critchley at jimc@mmc.school.nz) and the Wellington ESS Teachers Day at Victoria University of Wellington on Friday 4 December (register here).
Paid Contract — SCENZ & NZASE Year 9–10 Chemistry Resource Reviewers (Nov 2026 – Jan 2027): SCENZ and NZASE are contracting experienced kaiako over summer to review and edit AI-assisted draft resources aligned to the new Year 9–10 Chemistry curriculum (including 288 two-page lesson plans, 29 unit plans, and 145 formative checks). Send expressions of interest to Alayna Pulham at Alayna.pulham@mags.school.nz.
Looking for more regional teacher days and paid educator contracts? Explore the full Bay Science Events Calendar.
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