EC-MENz National Summit 2025
Kia ora e te kaupapa whānau,
We are excited to announce that our 2025 National Summit will be held in Whangārei on the weekend of 8 March. This will be a fantastic celebration of gender diversity in early childhood education in a safe and supportive space. Quality professional development will be combined with a chance to meet others in the profession, share your own story, and be inspired.
For more details please contact EC-Menz President Robin Christie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Kia kaha, e hoa mā!
Cost $140 (includes membership to EC-MENz for the year).
Student cost $60
First speaker announcement!
Robert Jensen
Abstract
Dive into an immersive wānanga that explores the intentional practice of whakawhanaungatanga to create deep, meaningful connections with ākonga, parents, and whānau within an early childhood setting. The wānanga is based on Robert's research carried out during his specialist teaching postgraduate studies in Early Intervention at Massey University, offering fresh insights and practical strategies to building strong, culturally grounded relationships.
Participants will reflect on their teaching practices from a te Ao Māori perspective, discovering how values like manaakitanga, kotahitanga, and mana whenua can enhance positive learning outcomes. Through interactive activities using mentimeter.com, you’ll actively participate in word clouds, polls, and collaborative exercises that bring concepts like manaakitanga, kotahitanga, and mana whenua to life. Leave inspired and equipped with practical strategies for fostering unity, belonging, and empowerment in your educational community. Perfect for teachers and leaders committed to fostering positive educational outcomes through culturally responsive teaching.
Bio
Robert brings 18 years of experience in early childhood education, including five years as a Head Teacher. He currently serves as an Early Intervention Leader for Tūī Early Learners, a family-owned group of early learning centres with over three decades experience offering quality education and care in the Manawatū. Recently, he completed postgraduate specialist studies in Early Intervention at Massey University, with a focus on early intervention processes, neurodiversity, and intentional teaching strategies to support children’s social-emotional development and self-regulation skills.
Summit Reports
