TĀTAIAO | NZAEE Conference 2026

5 - 7 October Tāmaki Makaurau

The New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (NZAAEE) has announced its 2026 national conference, returning to an in-person format for the first time in eight years.

The conference will take place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland from 5–7 October 2026, hosted at Motu Moana Camp in Blockhouse Bay.

Organisers say the return to an in-person event reflects strong demand from educators to reconnect kanohi ki te kanohi, following several years of online conferences.

Bee on native flower, representing connections within te taiao. Image: Bay Science

Conference focus

The 2026 conference is centred on the theme “Tātaiao”, a concept that brings together:

• Tātai (ancestral connections, genealogy)

• Taiao (the natural world)

The theme highlights the interconnected relationship between people and the environment, and the idea that both can flourish when these relationships are recognised and restored.

The programme will include:

• Keynote speakers

• Practical workshops

• Sessions from educators, researchers, rangatahi, and community organisations

Key details

• Motu Moana Camp, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland

• 5–7 October 2026

  • Monday: 12:30pm–5pm

  • Tuesday: 9am–5pm

  • Wednesday: finishes by midday

• Accommodation: On-site options available (bunkrooms or camping), with nearby alternatives

Call for contributions

A call for contributions is now open, inviting educators and organisations to share workshops, presentations, or resources. Submissions close 8 May 2026.

See the official NZAEE Conference Website here

Ngā mihi to NZAAEE for sharing details of their 2026 conference.