Programme
One day of learning grounded in mātauranga Māori and Pacific knowledge systems. Hui Fono 2026 centres practical, culturally responsive sessions where ancestral intelligence and AI come together in ways that strengthen our communities. Expect workshops led by Māori and Pacific practitioners and space for genuine kōrero that honours who we are and where we come from.
NOTE: Participants would have received an email to download the event app. Please refer to the event app for the most updated programme. The page is no longer being updated as of May 21 2026.
| Time | Programme |
| 8:30am | Registration |
| 9:30am | Mihi whakatau |
| 9:50am | Welcome and introduction |
| 10:00am | Overview of ACE Aotearoa and ACE Sector |
| 10:10am | Go Digital: Hui Fono event app |
| 10:20am | Whakawhanaungatanga |
| 10:30am | Morning tea and group photo |
| 11:00am | Keynote: What We Lose When a Language Disappears by Peter-Lucas Jones |
| 11:45am | Keynote: Unseen to Unstoppable with Eteroa Lafaele |
| 12:30pm | Lunch |
| 1:30pm | Masterclass with Peter-Lucas Jones – Language Is Infrastructure: Designing Systems That Actually Work |
| 2:30pm | Afternoon Tea |
| 3:00pm | Masterclass – AI with Eteroa |
| 4:00pm | Reflections |
| 4:15pm | Wānanga | Talanoa – Developing a Professional Development Plan for Māori and Pacific in tertiary and community education |
| 4:45pm | Reflections |
| 5:00pm | Closing |
Like any great gathering, this programme continues to evolve right up until the day. Sessions and timings are subject to change as we finalise the details.
We recommend checking this page regularly for the most up to date information.