Weaving Anti-Racist Futures: The First Antiracism in Education Conference

Recent data paints a sobering picture of the mental health of our rangatahi. In 2025, New Zealand was ranked the lowest among 36 OECD and EU countries for mental wellbeing. For many of our learners, school environments remain a primary site of discrimination rather than a sanctuary for growth.

Research from the Youth19 survey and longitudinal studies like Growing Up in New Zealand shows a direct link between daily racism and high rates of anxiety and depression. When 93% of Māori report experiencing racism at school on a daily basis, the need for systemic change is no longer optional. It is an urgent requirement for the safety of our tauira.

The Antiracism in Education Conference is designed to bridge the gap between these statistics and meaningful classroom action. Hosted by scholars and community leaders, the event moves beyond symbolic gestures to focus on substantive structural transformation.

Confirmed Speakers and Workshop Facilitators with more to be announced:

• Dr Arama Rata (Ngāruahine, Taranaki, Ngāti Maniapoto)

• Associate Professor Donna Cormack (Kai Tahu, Kāti Māmore)

• Dr Mahdis Azarmandi

• Dr Lovely Dizon

• Professor Mohan Dutta

• Dr Andrea Edwards

• Samantha Patel, PGCert, MSc, MNZPsS, MNZPB

• Dr Nathan Rew

• Dr Gauri Nandedkhar

• Mary Austin, MEd

• Youth Panel – school experiences, chaired by Dr Lovely Dizon

Event Details

• Dates: 5-6 July 2026

• Location: Albany Senior High School, Auckland

• Target Audience: Kaiako, school boards, policy makers, and community leaders

• Core Focus: Safety and accountability, systemic bias in pathways, and the representation divide

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