RARANGA: Whakaari Aotearoa Drama New Zealand Conference 2026

Date: 8-10 April 2026

Venue: Rangi Ruru Girls' School

Our 2026 Conference will focus on:

Raranga: the first day of weaving - following the child in drama across sectors

Marutau - creating safe and inclusive spaces in the classroom

Whakaako - pedagogy - Drama in education across the sectors (ECE, primary, secondary).

Pūrākau - weaving Aotearoa storytelling and theatre in the classroom 

Auaha - changes in Drama Education and future possibilities

Harikoa -   finding joy and hope in the classroom - Drama as experiential, uplifting and therapeutic.

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Conference Schedule

Wednesday 8th April

8.15am - 9.00am Registration 

9.00am - 5.00pm Mihi Whakatau, Welcome, and Conference begins

5.00pm - 6.00pm Wine, Cheese and Chats followed by AGM

Thursday 9th April

9.00am - 5.00pm Conference Sessions

5.30pm - 8.00pm Conference Dinner and Awards at the Court Theatre followed by a tour of the venue. 

Friday 10th April

9.00am - 12.30pm* Conference Sessions

*Please note that the Conference concludes on Friday 10th April at 12.30 and lunch is not provided on this day.