2023 Conference Wrap Up re:Activate 2023: Inspiring Change and Embracing Diversity in Education
20 Jun 2023
The recent LEA Regional Conference, re:Activate 2023, proved to be a resounding success, exceeding our collective aspirations. From the very beginning, our committee pledged to deliver an unparalleled conference experience to the 450-plus delegates gathered in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Photographer: all photos from the re:Activate conference were by Lightchasers Photography
Our aim was to provide them with unique insights that could only be witnessed and heard in this vibrant city, presenting a challenge for them to become catalysts for change. We are proud to declare that we succeeded in creating an inclusive and transformative conference, wherein even the most reticent voices found a platform to be heard. The traditional opening ceremony set the stage for three remarkable days that have been described as authentic, enlightening, and extraordinary.
Our objective was not only to make an impact lasting beyond the duration of the conference but also to foster ongoing action and change. The feedback we have received, coupled with the reported initiatives undertaken by attendees since the conference's conclusion, attests to the realisation of our vision. Those fortunate enough to attend the pre-conference event on Tuesday evening were privileged to engage with Peter Young as he shared insights on his documentary, ‘The Art of Recovery.’ We encourage everyone to view this masterful piece of Aotearoa history, as it truly encapsulates the story of the human response to rebuilding a city from the ground up.
Throughout the three-day event, we presented a diverse range of speakers who hailed from various corners of the globe, including Japan, Samoa, Australia and our own Aotearoa New Zealand. The Conference Committee takes immense pride in achieving a gender-balanced line up of speakers, with equal representation of male and female voices across all sessions. Additionally, for the first time in LEA history, we had the privilege of hosting Māori and Pasifika keynote speakers.
The re:Activate Sessions delved into education, research, and design opportunities and challenges, with participants not only sharing their practices and findings but also challenging long-standing norms. The themed tours received widespread acclaim, with comments such as "the library was a true gem," "witnessing schools that prioritise belonging at their core," and "the best collection of school tours ever" echoing throughout the conference. We are immensely proud of what our committee accomplished over the course of the week.
Another notable milestone achieved during LEA re:Activate was the introduction of a dedicated tour to indigenous education settings known as Kura Kaupapa o Māori (Māori medium schools). This offered delegates a remarkable opportunity to witness the richness of indigenous learning and teaching, often diverging from the traditional European educational paradigm. The response to this initiative was truly inspiring and heartening.
As with any endeavour, the more one invests, the greater the rewards. Delegates wholeheartedly engaged with the conference, attending sessions, posing thought-provoking questions, interacting with their peers, and forging connections beyond their usual circles. Now that re:Activate has concluded, it is incumbent upon the delegates to embrace the challenge laid before them and become the change makers we know they can be.
Jacque Allen
2023 Conference Convenor
re:Activate - generating a city of learning
Past Chair: New Zealand Chapter
Photographer: all photos from the re:Activate conference were by Lightchasers Photography
