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. The 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.