Philosophy Event Series – 17-18 August 2026
17-18 August, PTANZ is hosting three free of charge, connected events across two days in and around Parliament. We look forward to welcoming you to any or all of the events and encourage you to share details with colleagues and friends. Registration and further information follows, with further details added as programmes are finalised. Spaces will be limited so sign up now!
PPTA Grants for Teachers
While there are no costs for attending our flagship events this year, there are associated costs that may make it difficult for some schools and teachers to participate. There are PPTA grants to attend subject association conferences that teachers, with pre-approval to attend, may apply for to cover associated costs, such as travel and accommodation. The grant does not cover day relief for schools. Please note that on the list of approved subject associations, we are listed as the New Zealand Association of Philosophy Teachers (NZAPT), in case of any confusion.
Monday 17th
9.00am – 3.00pm
Philosophy Conference
A full-day philosophy conference bringing together practitioners and thinkers to explore ideas central to teaching philosophy in schools. There will be ready-to-go resources and hands-on activities as well as information about PTANZ membership and ongoing support.
Target audience, teachers and schools currently teaching philosophy and those interested in doing so.
Monday 17th
5.00pm – 7.30pm
NZCGS 13th Annual Lecture: New Challenges in the Ethics of War and Peace
PTANZ is partnering with the New Zealand Centre for Global Studies (NZCGS) in its annual lecture featuring a conversation with PTANZ Chair Dr Nik Parkin and Associate Professor Jeremy Moses from the University of Canterbury, exploring the ethics of modern warfare and challenges for peace and security. The conversation, moderated by NZCGS Board Trustee, Associate Professor Anna Hood, will inform a resource to be developed for classroom learning.
This event generously co-hosted by Hon Mark Mitchell and Vanushi Walters MP at Parliament.
Target audience: Friends and associated of NZCGS and PTANZ – people from all sectors of society who recognise the importance of critical thinking and ethical decision-making around global issues as well as the need to bridge the gap between high-level, often inaccessible dialogue and on-the-ground learning.
Tuesday 18th
8.30am – 3.30pm
Step Up to the World | Tū māia ki te ao : Civics, Politics and Philosophy
A full-day, cross sector forum to launch and profile the new subject, Civics, Politics and Philosophy. The forum will be opened by the Minister of Education, Hon Erica Stanford and participants will engage with experts, offering a range of perspectives through keynotes, panels and interactive workshops. This event joins a series of engaging and inspiring forums that invite us to think critically and participate as active, informed citizens.
Target audience, teachers, students, school leaders, academics, policy makers, leaders of industry and innovation, those curious about philosophy in schools and everyone who wish to learn more about Civics, Politics and Philosophy and who recognise the importance of critical thinking, civic participation and political engagement in education.
Photography
A professional photographer will be present at these events. A curated selection of photographs will be shared with participants and may be published on the PTANZ and NZCGS websites, as well as in promotional materials.
We are committed to respecting your privacy rights in accordance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020. If you would prefer not to be photographed or to have your image used, please make yourself known to a member of our team on arrival.