Join us at the upcoming CPPA conference for Principals and Leaders, where we will explore the timely and critical topic of "Is there space for me?"

As school leaders, we face increasing social and mental health challenges, a breakdown in societal structures, and a widening gap between the privileged and those less fortunate.

We will examine the impact of these issues on our school communities and discuss strategies for influencing positive change. Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

This conference promises to offer a range of thought provoking and challenging topics from a highly engaging and diverse group of speakers.

Connect with colleagues from a wide range of Canterbury to network, learn, and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Day 1: Tuesday 13th June

8.00am - Registrations & Coffee Available

8.45am - Conference Opening & Welcome

9.00am - Dr Natalie Fynn

Dr Natalie Flynn is a Senior Clinical Psychologist who has worked in the area of mental health for 27 years.

In that time she’s worked in an extensive range of settings both in New Zealand and the UK including Broadmoor High Security Psychiatric Hospital in Berkshire, a number of Community Mental Health Centres both in Auckland and London, Mental Heath Crisis Teams in London and Auckland, Community Alcohol and Drug Services, the Early Intervention Psychosis team, Maternal Mental Health Services, Auckland inpatient Psychiatric Services, the Regional Eating Disorders Service, Auckland Prison, the Kari Centre, and Tranx (working with prescription drug dependence).

She received a 'Bright Future Top Achiever’ Doctoral Scholarship for her research in neuropsychology (understanding how the brain relates to behaviour), and more recently has written a bestselling book—Smart Mothering—which examines the research behind parenting choices, and she also co-founded the Parentland app with Nigel Latta.

For the last nine years she has run a successful private practice in Auckland and works with some of New Zealand’s biggest brands focusing on the psychology of business. 

10.15am - Sponsors Address

10.30am - Morning Tea

11.20am - Break Out Sessions 

Christian Cullen Room:

Tina Lomax - Trauma

Tina Lomax is the Principal of Kingslea School where students are in Oranga Tamariki youth justice and care and protection residential care, or edge of care non-residential placements, in eight locations throughout New Zealand. Kingslea is a sanctuary specifically geared toward continuous learning, where students can rediscover the magic of learning and achieve their potential.

Tina is passionate and enthusiastic about sharing her experiences of working with some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable tamariki. She always weaves in her own personal journey and reflections, deeply impacting audiences with her empathy and ability to speak to the heart of the matter.

Blossom Lady Room:

Hamimah Ahmat - Ethnic Minority

This 1-hour workshop aims to provide school principals in Canterbury, New Zealand, with a condensed but focused exploration of leading inclusive schools. It will explore principals' perceptions, examine current practices, and address the challenges faced in implementing meaningful change. The workshop will specifically focus on the topic of cultural affirmation for Muslim students and whānau, offering strategies for creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

Terror To Love Room:

Peggy Tombs/Steve Langley - The Power of Hope

In this workshop, co-facilitated by a young person, you will discuss what schools and the wider community hope for our young people, look at youth-led research to discover what youth hope for themselves, and most importantly, consider what we can do to help.

12.20pm - Lunch

1.20pm - Sponsors Address

1.35pm - Dr Natalie Fynn

2.45pm - CPPA President's Address

             - Closing Karakia

3.15pm - Refreshments & Networking

Day 2: Wednesday 14th June

8.00am - Registrations & Coffee Available

8.45am - Opening & Welcome

9.00am - Nigel Latta

Nigel trained as a Clinical Psychologist and worked for over two decades in the areas of forensic psychology and family therapy.

In 2010, as a result of his passion for science and science education, Nigel was invited to become an associate of the world leading Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study at the University of Otago. In 2012 he was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to psychology.

He’s written eight books which have now been published in 19 countries and 10 languages.

His television career has spanned almost a decade and he’s presented a number of series including Beyond the Darklands, The Politically Incorrect Parenting Show, On Thin Ice: Nigel Latta in Antarctica, and The Hard Stuff. In 2016, along with Arwen O’Connor and Mitchell Hawkes he co-founded a production company, Ruckus, and the team have since made numerous primetime television series including Mind Over Money, What Next, and The Curious Mind. In 2018 Ruckus was named New Zealand’s Hottest Production Company in the StopPress awards.

More recently he co-founded the Parentland app with Dr Natalie Flynn.

In the last fifteen years he’s been a sought after keynote speaker engaged by some of New Zealand’s biggest brands and many of our coolest companies as well as some very hard working NGO’s and government agencies.

10.15am - Sponsors Address

10.30am - Morning Tea

11.20am - Break Out Sessions

Christian Cullen Room:

Grae Meek and Ari - Gender

​​Grae and Ari will discuss the basics of gender terminologies and definitions, explore the statistics and supports required for trans youth in schools, as well as reflecting on their own experiences as transgender individuals growing up in Ōtautahi. 

Blossom Lady Room:

Christchurch Girls High Rangatahi

The workshop will focus on highlighting the rangatahi experience in the schooling system, the positives and growth points, from a diverse group of year 13 students from Te Kura o Hine Waiora/ Christchurch Girls High School.

Terror To Love Room:

Penny Prescott - Positive Youth Development

Schools are an integral part of a community and play an incredibly important role in shaping the lives of children and young people. This presentation is an introduction to the Positive Youth Development framework - a practical and helpful lens to put over the way your work and help ensure we're all approaching youth development with a common language and a framework applicable for Aotearoa.

12.20pm - Lunch

1.20pm - Sponsors Address

1.35pm - Keynote: Nigel Latta

2.45pm - Sponsors Presentations & Prizes

             - CPPA President's Address

             - Closing Karakia