Kia ora,
I am delighted to invite you to our 2026 conference, which will be held at Te Pae in Ōtautahi / Christchurch — the first time in 16 years we’ll be gathering in the South Island!
Our theme, Te Toi o te Ako: The Art of Learning, embodies the idea that learning is not just a process but also a skill, a craft, and even a mindset.
This conference is not just an event; it’s an inclusive gathering for Montessorians and non-Montessorians alike. Whether you’re a dedicated kaiako, a trust member, a principal, a parent, a whānau member, or someone interested in learning more about ‘Montessori,’ there’s something here for you. Together, let’s explore how we can empower tamariki and rangatahi, equipping them with the skills they need for their journey to adulthood.
In addition to the two days of the conference, we will be holding a teacher-only day for primary kaiako at Nova Montessori School on Monday, 6th July 2026.
Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for a weekend that promises to be both fulfilling and enriching. Montessori Aotearoa eagerly anticipates your presence, contributing to the collective energy that makes our conferences truly exceptional. Get ready for a weekend filled with inspiration, collaboration, and invaluable insights.
Cathy Wilson
Chief Executive / Kaiwhakahaere Matua
Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand
Conference Programme
The conference starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 4th, and concludes at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5th.
This year, the Nibbles and Natter event will again run from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm on Saturday night, a lovely opportunity to network and enjoy a casual atmosphere. It was a great success last year, so we are doing it again.
Conference Speakers
The Montessori Aotearoa New Zealand Conference 2026 brings together local and international speakers who share deep insight, practical experience, and a strong commitment to supporting tamariki, rangatahi, and kaiako. Their sessions span Montessori practice, leadership, wellbeing, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and nature-based and trauma-informed approaches.
Conference Registration Fees
Registration Fees:
| School Member | $530 + GST per attendee |
| Individual Member | $570 + GST per attendee |
| Organisation Member | $570 + GST per attendee |
| Non-Member | $755 + GST per attendee |
North Island Discount: For 2026, we are offering our North Island school and individual member attendees a $50 discount on their registration fee.
The 2-day full registration fee includes
- Entry to conference sessions July 4th and 5th, 2026
- Lunch, morning and afternoon tea’s
- Nibble and Natter event
PAYMENT
Invoices will be sent out upon registration, and payment is required to the Montessori Aotearoa bank account.
Accommodation
There are multiple accommodation options in Christchurch. We recommend that you book your accommodation early as there is an All Black match in Christchurch the week-end of our conference.
Quest on Cambridge
79 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch
email: reservations@questoncambridge.co.nz
phone: 03 244 9222
price: Studio Room $190 per night
Novotel Christchurch
52 Cathedral Square, Christchurch
email: h6592@accor.com
phone: 03 372 2111
offer: 15% off best available rates
Ibis Christchurch
107 Hereford Street, Christchurch
email: H6592-re2@accor.com
phone: 03 367 8666
offer: 15% off best available rates
Quest on Kilmore
93 Kilmore Street
email: reservations@questonkilmore.co.nz
phone: 03 244 2600
offer: 5% discount on best available rates
Rydges Latimer
Christchurch 30 Latimer Square, Christchurch
email: reservations_rydgeslatimerchristchurch@evt.com
phone: 03 379 6760
offer: 15% off best available rate
Hotel Elms
456 Papanui Road, Papanui
email: reservations@hotelelms.co.nz
phone: 03 355 3577
price: Standard Room $150, Superior Room $170, Deluxe Room $190. Includes complimentary shuttle to Te Pae Christchurch
The Mayfair
155 Victoria Street, Christchurch
email: info@themayfair.co.nz
phone: 03 595 6335
offer: 15% off best available rate
The Muse Hotel
159 Manchester Street, Christchurch
email: reservations@themusehotel.co.nz
phone: 03 365 0319
offer: 12% off best available rate
Registration, Cancellation and Refund Policy
All payments must be made by 20 June 2026 to ensure access to the conference.
Substitutions – If you have registered and paid but are unable to attend, you are welcome to have someone take your place. Please contact us with the new attendee’s name and details as soon as possible. You can make substitutions up until one week prior to the workshop.
Cancellations and Refunds – Please email ce@montessori.org.nz if you wish to amend or cancel your registration. A full refund, less a $100 service fee, will be issued for cancellations received on or before 31 May 2026. No refunds will be issued after 31 May 2026. Non-payment does not constitute cancellation.
Exhibitors – Email addresses will be shared with our exhibitors for this year’s conference. If you do not wish your email to be shared with our exhibitors, please email ce@montessori.org.nz
General Information
Note
When booking flights, Montessori Aotearoa recommends that you book with a Flexi-fare so you can change flying dates or obtain a refund – just in case.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended and your responsibility to have insurance to cover medical, travel, and registration expenses in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Special requirements
Please advise of any special dietary, mobility, or other special requirements when you register. Special Dietary requests will only be accepted until 11 am on Friday, 12 June 2026. We thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Contact details
Montessori Aotearoa NZ, PO Box 31461, Lower Hutt 5040.
For all registration and general enquiries, email us at ce@montessori.org.nz, or call Cathy on
027 4485 525.
