ACE Conference

10 - 12 June 2025
Rydges Latimer Christchurch, 30 Latimer Square, Christchurch Central 

AI | AI - Bridging Artificial Intelligence and Ancestral Intelligence

Tēnā koutou katoa, Tālofa lava, Kia orana, Mālō e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Namaste, Mālō ni, Fakatalofa atu, Halo ola keta, Mauri and warm Pasifika greetings to you. 

Flagship Events
The ACE Conference is one of two ACE sector flagship events. The other is the Hui Fono.

2025 ACE Conference
In 2025 we will be taking a new approach to the ACE Conference (10-12 June) and the Hui Fono (10 June). They will be held consecutively in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The bringing together of our signature events will be premised on the whakatauki, he waka eke noa – we are all in this together, and the programme will combine adult learning principles with an indigenous education paradigm. Thus, bringing together the best of the Hui Fono and Conference in the same venue with a shared theme and scaffolding programme.

Theme
MC
Programme
Registration
Financial Assistance
Location and Venue

AI | AI - Bridging Artificial Intelligence and Ancestral Intelligence
This year’s theme, “AI | AI: Bridging Artificial and Ancestral Intelligence,” will bring together educators, technologists, and community leaders to explore the intersections of modern AI and ancestral wisdom. Our goal is to foster a rich dialogue that honours Indigenous knowledge while embracing innovative applications of artificial intelligence in community and educational contexts.

By connecting these two realms, we aim to develop educational practices that respect and celebrate the past, while also paving the way toward a future rooted in collaboration, creativity, and cultural integrity. Join us for a transformative exchange of ideas, as we highlight the unique strengths of both Artificial Intelligence and ancestral wisdom in shaping adult and community education. This is a chance to help redefine the role of technology and tradition in shaping resilient, inclusive communities.

Our Kaikōrero | MC
We are pleased to announce that Te Ataahia Hurihanganui (Rangitāne, Ngāti Kahungunu-ki-Wairarapa, Ngāti Ira, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whāoa, Tūhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Whakaue-Ngāti Te Roro o te Rangi) is returning to facilitate our programme. Taahia is a skilled and experienced educator with a rich career spanning over 15 years, specialising in Te Reo Māori, Te Ao Māori, and Tikanga Māori knowledge transfer. Her extensive experience includes 12 years teaching in the ACE sector. She is currently based in her hometown of Whakaoriori (Masterton), Wairarapa where she runs her business, Reo Rua Ltd. (a Māori Language, Education and Training provider). She brings her expertise in facilitation to her role as MC like a rangatira, taking care of cultural ceremony and weaving together what is offered by presenters so that participants gain a totally immersive experience. Te Ataahia is a former Board member of ACE Aotearoa, advisor to the ACE Hui Fono, and received the 2024 ACE Aotearoa Annual Award in the Leader Tangata Whenua category. After working alongside Nohorua Parata as conference MC in 2024, she returns to the ACE Conference 2025  in Ōtautahi.

Opening Keynote Speaker 
It is an honour to announce our opening keynote speaker, Dr. Karaitiana Taiuru, who will share his insights on data sovereignty. Keep an eye on our website for speaker and programme updates. 

See the Programme here.

Registration
To make our events accessible to community and staff with limited professional development budgets, we continue to offer a significantly subsidised registration fee, thanks to funding from the Tertiary Education Commission. The registration fee includes access to the full programme.

**BONUS**
Attending the ACE Conference will also offer opportunity to stay and attend the Pre-Conference Network Event, and the ACE Aotearoa Annual Awards.

To learn more about the ACE Conference, click here.
To learn more about the ACE Aotearoa Annual Awards, click here.

Click here to register online. Registrations are open until we reach full capacity.

Financial Assistance
In addition to the subsidised registration fee, we are offering financial assistance with travel and accommodation. Priority will be given to community educators with limited professional development budgets. Please note, the Terms and Conditions. Approved applicants will be required to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements and will be reimbursed for costs once receipts have been submitted.

Click here to apply for Financial Assistance. Applications close 28 March 2025.

Location and Venue
The venue for the ACE Conference is the Rydges Latimer Christchurch, 30 Latimer Square, Christchurch Central, Ōtautahi (Christchurch). The hotel has a central location offering opportunities to explore the city in your free time. We are also pleased to offer a discounted rate for Hui Fono delegates. Please note that it is your responsibility to book and pay for your accommodation at the hotel. This is not included in the registration fee. You can book direct with the hotel here and use the discount code ACE2025. Alternately you are welcome to check Booking.com or organise accommodation elsewhere.

To book accommodation at the Rydges Latimer Christchurch go to their website: