Establishing teachers conference an eye opener

Held in Auckland by the Post Primary Teachers’ Association of New Zealand (PPTA), the 2025 Network of Establishing Teachers (NET) Conference brought together more than 90 delegates from across New Zealand and Australia, including representatives from the SSTUWA, AEU Victoria, AEU ACT and the Queensland Teachers’ Union.

The conference created space for early career teacher unionists to exchange ideas, deepen cultural understanding and strengthen international solidarity.

The conference opened with a moving Māori pōwhiri (welcome ceremony), conducted entirely in te reo Māori by members of the local iwi. This rich cultural moment grounded the event in a spirit of respect and learning.

Delegates participated in a full program of keynote presentations, workshops, and open discussions. Two workshop sessions, titled Solidarity Across the Ditch, were presented by Australian delegates.

SSTUWA and AEU ACT delegates ran one session, while the Queensland Teachers’ Union and AEU Victoria the other. These sessions offered insight into state-specific working conditions and union achievements, while also opening space to share challenges and compare strategies for activism.

Throughout the conference, delegates explored confronting issues affecting schools in both countries: racism, ableism, misogyny, violence and the growing influence of extremist views among students.

“Through these open, honest and at times challenging conversations, we built strong connections with our New Zealand colleagues, united by a shared commitment to educational equity,” said WA conference delegate Isabelle Gillians.

“The conference reinforced a powerful message: by working together — not just within our own systems, but across borders — we can achieve far more than we ever could alone.”

Simon Oosterman’s keynote and workshop on creative campaigning energised participants with bold tactics and collaborative exercises. From poster-making to chant creation, delegates learned how to amplify their voices in the fight for public education.

The harmful practice of academic streaming in New Zealand schools was also a focus, with educators discussing how it reproduces systemic inequality—particularly for Māori and Pasifika students.

Encouragingly, the New Zealand government aims to end streaming by 2030, replacing it with inclusive, mixed ability teaching practices, promoting equity and ensuring all learners are supported to reach their full potential.

“Engaging with fellow educators allowed us to learn from their diverse experiences and approaches, offering fresh perspectives on making new educators’ experience better and continuing the fight for improved conditions for all teachers,” said WA conference delegate Ainsley Poon.

“The insights gained were not only inspiring but also practical, enabling us to bring back ideas and strategies to share and implement across our school branches at home.”