27 - 28 May 2026
Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre
58 Waipuna Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland
The ACE Conference is the sector's annual gathering. It’s two days of professional learning, collective advocacy and connection across the breadth of Adult and Community Education in Aotearoa.
In 2026, it lands at a timely moment. There’s general election is coming. Artificial intelligence is reshaping how people work, learn and access knowledge. Practitioners across the sector have been clear about what they need: not more theory, but practical tools, real examples and the space to apply them with confidence.
This year's programme is built around that.
Beyond the Hype: Applying Artificial and Ancestral Intelligences for Transformative Learning
ACE Conference 2026 moves past trend-chasing and surface-level innovation to focus on what actually works in learning practice. Designed for experienced community and educational practitioners, Beyond the Hype signals a critical and grounded approach that values discernment, integrity and depth. This is a space for people who can spot quality and know the difference between shiny tools and meaningful transformation.
The theme brings artificial and ancestral intelligence into purposeful dialogue. Rather than positioning them as opposites, the conference explores how each can be applied with intention: AI as a tool to extend capacity, improve systems and support learning design; ancestral intelligence as the accumulated knowledge, values, relational practices and ethical frameworks that have sustained communities over generations. Together, they offer powerful pathways for learning that is relevant, humane and accountable.
The 2025 theme, AI | AI – Bridging Artificial and Ancestral Intelligence, was a great start to our sector's discussion about the ethics and theory of AI. After hearing your feedback, we understand that there's still a need to learn how to practically apply that knowledge in your work. In 2026, we're elevating the AI | AI discussion.
Participants can expect practical, hands-on content grounded in real-world contexts – demonstrations, case studies and workshops that show how these intelligences are being applied instead of just the why. Sessions will interrogate assumptions, challenge over-simplified narratives, and foreground questions of quality, impact, ethics and cultural responsibility.
Beyond the Hype is for practitioners who are ready to move from curiosity to confident application – those seeking tools and insights they can use immediately, while staying anchored in values, community wisdom and a clear-eyed understanding of what transformative learning truly requires.
Who should attend
- ACE providers, managers, and teaching staff
- Kaimahi in Māori and Pacific community education
- Workplace literacy and foundation learning practitioners
- Sector leaders, governance members, and advocates
- Anyone who works with, funds, or makes decisions affecting adult learners in Aotearoa
The Political Panel
With Aotearoa New Zealand heading to the polls on 7 November 2026, the ACE Conference includes a timely political panel: Investing in Intelligence – Your Political Party's Vision for the ACE Sector.
On Wednesday 27 May, representatives from across the political spectrum will face the sector directly – on funding, capability, equity and what the next government's commitments to Adult and Community Education will actually look like. Be in the room.
Back-to-Back by Design
Following the successful 2025 model, Hui Fono and the ACE Conference will once again be held back-to-back in 2026. Taking place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, the two events will share a common theme while retaining their distinct kaupapa and audiences. The bringing together of our signature events will be premised on the whakatauki, he waka eke noa – we are all in this together
Running consecutively at the same venue, Hui Fono (26 May) and the ACE Conference (27–28 May) will create space for deeper connection, continuity of kōrero and cross-sector learning. Together, they bring Māori and Pacific perspectives and wider ACE sector practice into purposeful dialogue — strengthening learning, relationships and collective impact across adult and community education.
IMPORTANT: These are two separate events that require two separate tickets, so please ensure you are registered for both events if you wish to attend both. Hui Fono participants will be receiving an ACE Conference discount – more details here.
Click here to register for ACE Conference.
If you need any assistance with registrations, please email admin@aceaotearoa.org.nz.
Key details
So you can plan ahead, or start booking your travel, these are the key details for the event.
Important times and dates
Day 0: May 26, Tuesday
Pre-conference networking event from 6:00pm
Day 1: May 27, Wednesday
Conference: 9:00am to 5:00pm
ACE Aotearoa Awards Dinner: 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Day 2: May 28, Thursday
Conference: 9:00am to 3:30pm
Venue
The Hui Fono and ACE Conference venue for 2026 is the Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre, 58 Waipuna Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland.
Participants are offered a delegate discount applicable by booking directly with the hotel.
You can go on their website here to book and use the promo code is ACE2026. This discount is available only for travel dates Monday 25 May to Thursday 28 May 2026.
Programme
Two days of learning that cuts through the noise. ACE Conference 2026 brings you sessions designed for immediate application: workshops that build your confidence with AI tools, case studies that show ancestral intelligence in action, and demonstrations that bridge both to transform your practice. This is where theory meets the ground, and you leave with approaches you can use straight away.
Day 0: May 26 Tuesday
6:00 – 8:00pm: Pre-conference Networking event
Day 1: May 27 Wednesday
8:30am: Registration
9:00am: Mihi whakatau
9:30am: Tāwhiwhi mai i te tangata whenua
9:45am: Welcome and morning tea
10:00 – 10:30am: Setting the scene
10:35 – 11:00am: Whakawhanaungatanga
11:15 – 12:15pm: Political Panel
12:30 – 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30 – 2:50pm: Ako Sessions
2:50 – 3:00pm: Afternoon tea
3:00 – 4:20pm: Ako Sessions
4:30pm: Wānanga Talanoa
5:00pm: Karakia whakamutunga
5:00-6:50pm: Free time
7:00pm: Dinner
8:00pm: ACE Aotearoa Awards 2026
9:00pm: Entertainment
11:00pm: End
Day 2: May 28 Thursday
9:00am: Karakia timatanga
9:05am: Reflections
9:15am – 9:40am: Keynote speaker
10:00am: Morning Tea
10:30 – 11:50am: Ako Sessions
12:00 – 1:00pm: Lunch
1:00 – 1:50pm: Wānanga Talanoa
2:00 – 2:30pm: Evaluation
3:00pm: Whakapipi Closing
3:30pm: Karakia whakumutunga, afternoon tea, departures
Keynote Speaker
Dr Mahsa McCauley (Mohaghegh) UNESCO Communication and Information Commissioner
Chair, AI Forum New Zealand
Dr Mahsa McCauley is one of the foremost experts on artificial intelligence, education, and policy in Aotearoa. She is Chair of the AI Forum New Zealand, a UNESCO Communication and Information Commissioner, and an Associate Professor of AI at Auckland University of Technology. A Fulbright Scholar, her research spans AI, machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity, developed through partnerships with industry and government.
Dr McCauley is the Founder and Director of She Sharp Charitable Trust, a volunteer-led organisation supporting women in technology and inspiring secondary school girls into digital careers, reaching thousands through events and industry partnerships. She serves on the boards of NZTech, EdTechNZ, and the World Summit Awards, contributing to AI strategy and education initiatives aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
A recognised public speaker and commentator on AI, cybersecurity, and the future of work, she has received numerous national and international honours for her leadership, innovation, and advocacy for diversity in technology.
Dr McCauley will deliver the day two keynote at ACE Conference 2026: AI, Ako, and the Next Frontier of Learning – an exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, and what it means for learners and educators across Aotearoa.
Master of Ceremonies
Guiding us through ACE Conference 2026 is Dr Edmond Fehoko, Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition and Associate Dean Pacific at the University of Otago. His research focuses on Pacific health and wellbeing through culturally grounded methodologies like Talanoa, examining male infertility, digital wellbeing, nutrition and food systems. Committed to "by Pacific, for Pacific" research, Dr Fehoko strengthens cultural integrity and equitable health outcomes across Aotearoa and the Pacific while mentoring emerging Pacific scholars. He is Co-Chair for ACE Aotearoa Board and a board member for SIAOLA Tongan Methodist Church and Centre for Pacific Languages.
Financial Assistance
ACE Aotearoa is committed to making ACE Conference accessible for everyone. We recognise that cost can be a real barrier to professional development, particularly for those working in small and community organisations. That is why we offer financial assistance for eligible participants attending ACE Conference 2026.
Who can apply?
Applications are prioritised for people who identify with one or more of the following:
- Community volunteers
- Members of small organisations (operating up to $100,000 annual income) or low-income earners
- Individuals or staff from organisations with no or limited budget for professional development
- Students
- Staff working in tertiary institutions where access to professional learning may be a barrier
What support is available?
Financial assistance covers travel and accommodation costs, with successful applicants approved for support up to $500 per person. If your application is successful, you will make your own bookings and submit receipts for reimbursement. Please note that travel quotes should reflect the most affordable fare available.
How to apply
Please note you must be registered for ACE Conference 2026 before submitting an application.
Complete the Financial Assistance Application Form and email it to analiese.robertson@aceaotearoa.org.nz by no later than Friday, 27 March 2026.
Click here to download the Financial Assistance Application Form