Professional Learning Hui 2026
Nelson Tasman Kindergartens, with the support of the Nelson Tasman Kahui Networks, invite kaiako and early childhood professionals to join us for a free full-day professional development event.
This day is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and strengthen our practice together through inspiring kōrero, practical workshops, and shared learning. Featuring a range of experienced speakers, the programme will explore topics that support the wellbeing, learning, and development of tamariki, while strengthening the mahi we do alongside whānau and our communities.
Date: 28 September 2026
Venue: Annesbrook Church, 40 Saxton Road West, Stoke, Nelson
Cost: FREE
Spaces: Limited to 250 attendees
Registrations are essential. Please complete the registration form at the bottom of this page by Monday 14 September to secure your place.
Agenda
Lisa O'Neill — Energy is Your Edge
Teaching Children Who Live in Poverty
Keynote Speakers
Lisa O’Neill
Energy is Your Edge
Are you exhausted? Overwhelmed and struggling to keep up? Understanding your energy and how it directly impacts business performance is vital for everyone. Our energy is everything. Drawing from 25 years of energy mastery and business transformation, Lisa reveals the hidden power of energetic intelligence. This is not about work-life balance, its about creating sustainable success by taking responsibility for your energy. Through vivid storytelling and practical frameworks, Lisa shows leaders how to increase and protect their energy.
Lesley Robinson
Teaching Children Who Live in Poverty
This session explores teaching and learning for tamariki living in families experiencing the challenges of low income. Drawing on current theory and research, participants will gain insight into what leading writers and researchers in the early childhood education field are saying about poverty and its impact within ECE settings.
The session will highlight two key teaching strategies that support inclusive practice and help create positive learning environments where all tamariki and whānau feel valued, supported, and able to thrive.
Breakout Sessions
Emma Matthews
Experienced music therapist and special education practitioner.
Music is such a powerful tool to engage our young learners and support development throughout their lives. Emma Matthews, NZRMTh, from The Nest Music Therapy Centre and Emma Makes Music will talk about some of the neuroscience and developmental benefits behind music and developing inclusive musical activities for all learners. This workshop will be part info, part practical activity-based, part question time, providing kaiako with an activity to roll out at mat time!
Emily Spence
MNZAS, MAud(dist), MusB Kea Audiology | Audiologist/Director
Originally from Ōtautahi Christchurch, I have spent the past 11 years working in the greater Wellington region. Since moving to Motueka, I have continued working as an audiologist and started my own auditory processing clinic, Kea Audiology, supporting adults and children.
I have a passion for helping tamariki experience the joy of learning in an environment where they feel loved and understood. I’m also a Mum to three gorgeous boys, including a couple of cheeky 3-year-olds!
This workshop will explore early signs of hearing loss and auditory processing difficulties, how they can affect learning outcomes, and practical ways ECE environments can support tamariki who find listening difficult.
Sue Hone
Curriculum Advisor with the Ministry of Education, Whakatū, Early Years.
Many of you will already know me, but for those who don’t, I am a Curriculum Advisor with the Ministry of Education in Whakatū, Nelson, specialising in the early years. Before joining the Ministry in 2023, I was a Head Teacher with Nelson Tasman Kindergarten Association, an experience that continues to shape my practical, relationship-based approach to curriculum and professional learning.
This workshop explores how Kōwhiti Whakapae can be meaningfully used in everyday practice, assessment, planning, and evaluation to support the learning aspirations of tamariki and whānau.
Christie Greaney
Early Intervention Teacher with the Ministry of Education. Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Early Intervention)
Before joining Learning Support, Christie spent 12 years as an early childhood teacher.
This workshop explores sensory processing through a neuroaffirming lens, looking at how the nervous system influences behaviour, regulation, learning, and participation. We will explore the nine sensory systems and how understanding them can support responsive, inclusive learning environments where every tamaiti can thrive.
Jenna Thomson and team
Speech-Language Therapists Ministry of Education
Way to Play: This is a taster workshop based on the Autism NZ Way to Play Program that focuses on how to shape our interactions to support playing joyously. This is focused on supporting learners who may find social interactions or participation challenging. It looks at adapting adult interactions in play to build social communication and connection and anchor our learning. We use variations within safe play patterns to support learning about flexible thinking and encourage interactions that are enjoyable and leave us coming back for more.
Speech and Language Development: Want to know more about how speech and language skills develop? This workshop will cover typical speech and language development, practical strategies to support communication for all learners, and key signs that may indicate a learner requires further support. We will also discuss when and how to refer a learner for Speech-Language Therapy services.