The theme of our conference is based on a well known quote from Isaac Newton; “if I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.”
As you take in the ever-changing cityscape of Ōtautahi Christchurch there is a real sense of a city rebuilding on the shoulders of giants - i runga i ngā pokohiwi o ngā roroa - and this year's conference is aimed at using the understanding gained by those who have gone before to pass on knowledge, thus enabling our current School Business Managers to progress and flourish in their roles.
Our quality workshops, forums, keynote speakers and expo provide delegates with 3 days of networking, kōrero and professional learning opportunities and we're lucky to be supported by our partners and sponsors who are themselves industry giants who generously support the education sector.
As you take in the ever-changing cityscape of Ōtautahi Christchurch there is a real sense of a city rebuilding on the shoulders of giants - i runga i ngā pokohiwi o ngā roroa - and this year's conference is aimed at using the understanding gained by those who have gone before to pass on knowledge, thus enabling our current School Business Managers to progress and flourish in their roles.
Our quality workshops, forums, keynote speakers and expo provide delegates with 3 days of networking, kōrero and professional learning opportunities and we're lucky to be supported by our partners and sponsors who are themselves industry giants who generously support the education sector.
Tīrama Mai – Bringing the light is a Matariki light festival annually in central Christchurch. Our evening programmes provides the opportunity to enjoy the light displays. If you rise early before the sun and conditions are right, you can view the Matariki star cluster. When Matariki rises during mid-winter (June/July) it signals the beginning of a new year for Māori. Watch a video on how to find Matariki.
cafe crawl
Wednesday 10 July
6:00pm – 10:00pm (approx)
Meeting point: pepeha extract from Kemps Deed* on the corner of Colombo and Armagh Streets
The Café Crawl is an opportunity to get to know and network with conference delegates, and for our Association partners to show their manaakitanga while dining out in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. After meeting at the arranged place at 6pm, you will be placed in one of 9 groups and each group will rotate to a different venue for entrée, main and dessert.
*The inscription reads:
“Ko ō mātou kāinga nohoanga, ko ā mātou mahinga kai, me waiho mārie mō ā mātou tamariki, mō muri iho i a mātou” which translates to “Our places of residence, cultivations and food gathering places must still be left to us, for ourselves and our children after us”.
Kemps Deed Ngāi Tahu Signatories 12th June Akaroa 1848, has a strong relationship with the Treaty of Waitangi
Please note: as you will be required to walk between venues, comfortable shoes and a coat are recommended.
6:00pm – 10:00pm (approx)
Meeting point: pepeha extract from Kemps Deed* on the corner of Colombo and Armagh Streets
The Café Crawl is an opportunity to get to know and network with conference delegates, and for our Association partners to show their manaakitanga while dining out in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. After meeting at the arranged place at 6pm, you will be placed in one of 9 groups and each group will rotate to a different venue for entrée, main and dessert.
*The inscription reads:
“Ko ō mātou kāinga nohoanga, ko ā mātou mahinga kai, me waiho mārie mō ā mātou tamariki, mō muri iho i a mātou” which translates to “Our places of residence, cultivations and food gathering places must still be left to us, for ourselves and our children after us”.
Kemps Deed Ngāi Tahu Signatories 12th June Akaroa 1848, has a strong relationship with the Treaty of Waitangi
Please note: as you will be required to walk between venues, comfortable shoes and a coat are recommended.
MOrning WALK / hikoi
Thursday 11 July
7:00am – 8:00am
Start your day before the conference or extend your stay with whanau by enjoying a hikoi to experience the rich history and public art. The Matapopore walking tour mataporore map has seven key locations within the inner city block;
Tākaro ā Poi - Margaret Mahy Playground
Market Place - Victoria Square, The Terraces
Ōtākaro River - Avon River
Oi Manawa - Earthquake Memorial
Te Omeka - Justice and Emergency Services Precinct
Te Ara Pū - The South Frame
Hine Pāka - Bus Exchange
Take your time to appreciate the wow factor and detail in the public art as you explore the central city pieces. Note in particular outside the main entrance to Te Pae, the distinctive white Te Aika cross-beam apex, an architectural feature unique to Ngāi Tahu, and which was used in many buildings in the South Island. Plus, standing outside the main entrance of Te Pae look across to the Ōtākaro Avon River; one of two identical Anthony Gormley sculptures looks down into the moving waters of the Ōtākaro Avon River, the other into the paved ground of the Arts Centre. Made of iron, immersed in the nature of a tree-lined river where throughout the Christchurch earthquakes the trees were unscathed, and the river never ceased to flow.
7:00am – 8:00am
Start your day before the conference or extend your stay with whanau by enjoying a hikoi to experience the rich history and public art. The Matapopore walking tour mataporore map has seven key locations within the inner city block;
Tākaro ā Poi - Margaret Mahy Playground
Market Place - Victoria Square, The Terraces
Ōtākaro River - Avon River
Oi Manawa - Earthquake Memorial
Te Omeka - Justice and Emergency Services Precinct
Te Ara Pū - The South Frame
Hine Pāka - Bus Exchange
Take your time to appreciate the wow factor and detail in the public art as you explore the central city pieces. Note in particular outside the main entrance to Te Pae, the distinctive white Te Aika cross-beam apex, an architectural feature unique to Ngāi Tahu, and which was used in many buildings in the South Island. Plus, standing outside the main entrance of Te Pae look across to the Ōtākaro Avon River; one of two identical Anthony Gormley sculptures looks down into the moving waters of the Ōtākaro Avon River, the other into the paved ground of the Arts Centre. Made of iron, immersed in the nature of a tree-lined river where throughout the Christchurch earthquakes the trees were unscathed, and the river never ceased to flow.
sbm cocktail hour
Thursday 11 July
Join us back at the expo area for some pre-dinner drinks and entertainment at the SBM hosted cocktail hour - a chance to mix and mingle with delegates and sponsors alike before taking your seats upstairs for a plated dinner.
Join us back at the expo area for some pre-dinner drinks and entertainment at the SBM hosted cocktail hour - a chance to mix and mingle with delegates and sponsors alike before taking your seats upstairs for a plated dinner.
Conference dinner
Thursday 11 July
Conference Dinner
7:00pm - 11:30pm
Rakaia function space on Level 1 at Te Pae
The theme for this year's conference dinner is 'High tea in the Giant’s Garden'. Dressing up is encouraged and there will be prizes for best dressed on the night so get your glam on and your dancing shoes out! Bright florals are encouraged or perhaps dress up as a storybook character? Think tiaras, fascinators, or even a Mad Hatter tea party, as we gather together at Te Pae for some dinner and dancing.
Entry by ticket only.
Conference Dinner
7:00pm - 11:30pm
Rakaia function space on Level 1 at Te Pae
The theme for this year's conference dinner is 'High tea in the Giant’s Garden'. Dressing up is encouraged and there will be prizes for best dressed on the night so get your glam on and your dancing shoes out! Bright florals are encouraged or perhaps dress up as a storybook character? Think tiaras, fascinators, or even a Mad Hatter tea party, as we gather together at Te Pae for some dinner and dancing.
Entry by ticket only.
Conference transport
As our conference venue is accessible on foot from many of the accommodation providers in the city centre, please note that we will NOT be offering bus transfers during the course of the event.
Should they be required, timings for any airport shuttles will be available on the conference App.
Should they be required, timings for any airport shuttles will be available on the conference App.
