Overview
The Frontier of Educational Leadership
The role of the Assistant and Deputy Principal has never been more complex, more demanding, or more important.
Across Aotearoa, APs and DPs are leading through rapid and relentless change: curriculum refresh, assessment shifts, digital transformation, AI acceleration, complex learner and behavioural needs, cultural responsiveness, and rising community expectations.
The AP | DP Rangatira Summit has been created as Aotearoa’s premier PLD forum for Assistant and Deputy Principals who want to lead with greater clarity, confidence, courage, and connection.
This is not just another leadership event. It is a powerful one-day summit designed to help APs and DPs step out of the day-to-day demands of school life, reconnect with their own leadership purpose, and engage with the big shifts shaping education now and into the future.
Through keynote presentations, practical workshops, panel conversations, and focused breakout sessions, participants will explore the critical leadership capabilities needed for this new frontier, including:
Leading change with clarity and courage
Navigating uncertainty and complexity
AI-supported leadership and digital transformation
Data-informed decision making
Culturally responsive leadership
Communication with influence
Building trust, culture, and high-performance teams
Last year’s Summit sold out, and spaces for 2026 are again strictly limited.
This is the PLD forum every AP | DP should be in the room for.Empowering Leaders ~ Transforming Communities
Facilitators & Presenters
Be inspired by our line-up of distinguished speakers, who are change leaders in education. They will share insights and strategies for leadership excellence, focusing on current trends, best practice and future directions in education.
Engage directly with our experts in Q&A sessions. This is your opportunity to delve deeper into topics and to seek advice.
Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your leadership and make a lasting impact on the future of education.
Register now for the AP | DP Rangatira Summit and secure your place among the new frontier of educational leaders!
Register TODAY and unlock exclusive benefits. Together, let’s ADAPT. LEAD. THRIVE.. and forge a brighter future for education!
Barbara Ala'alatoa
Barbara Ala'alatoa embodies the Samoan proverb "O le ala i le pule o le tautua" (The pathway to leadership is through service). A strong advocate for education's transformative power, she has excelled as a principal [Sylvia Park Primary School], chaired the Education Council and Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, and in 2022 was recognized with the Officer of the NZ Order of Merit. During her time as Chair, the Education Council developed key professional standards and leadership strategies for teachers.
Kyle Brewerton
A prominent figure in New Zealand education, Kyle is the Principal of Remuera Intermediate School and the current president of the Auckland Primary Principals’ Association. His experience extends internationally, having led schools in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Notably, Kyle has conducted research into the development of teaching thinking for understanding within inquiry-based learning. Kyle's passion and heart has always been to be part of the solution ~ equipping and supporting school leaders.
Bex Rose
Bex is a passionate advocate for education with 20 years of experience in the field. Committed to ongoing learning and professional development, Bex has a strong track record of success, including facilitating Digital Technology for 2 years and demonstrating strong business acumen through 2 years in Business Development for an education-based PD provider. Known for galvanising teams and innovative problem-solving skills.
Marshall Diggs
GCLA Director
Marshall has a background as a principal, community leader and keynote speaker, Marshall’s role as Director at the Growth Culture Leadership Academy perfectly combines his incredible ability to inspire educators, with his strengths in leadership, coaching and mentoring.
Marshall excels in effective leadership, bicultural leadership, culture-building, innovation, and strategic solutions. A sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, his strengths lie in effective communication, leadership development, and team building. Marshall and his wife are also deeply committed to global impact. Currently, they are pioneering community transformation projects in Australia, Uganda, Fiji and New Zealand in partnership with several charitable organisations including the Strengths Foundation and World Vision.
Summit Cost
Super Early-Bird Special $399 + GST
**** available for the first 100 registrations *****
Standard Special $499 + GST
Summit Disclaimer
Our summits and workshops require a minimum number of delegates to proceed in its intended physical format. Should this minimum not be met, the event may be transitioned to an alternative format to ensure all registered participants can access the content, as well as maintain the workshop’s quality and interactive nature. The decision to switch to an alternative format will be communicated promptly to all registrants. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility. For inquiries, please contact info@gcla.co.nz.
