What is Tahu Kaitiakitanga?

The theme for the NZATD Conference 2027 is:

Tahu Kaitiakitanga – Igniting Capability for the Future

Capability does not grow by chance. It is nurtured through intentional leadership, meaningful relationships, continuous learning and a commitment to supporting people to succeed.

Drawing on the concept of kaitiakitanga, this theme encourages us to think about our role as stewards of capability. Whether we are developing individuals, supporting teams, shaping organisational learning culture or influencing the profession itself, we all have a part to play in creating the conditions for learning and performance to thrive.

The conference will explore how we can strengthen capability today while preparing people and organisations for the opportunities and challenges of the future.

Tahu Kaitiakitanga sits within the wider Learning and Development Week 2027 theme:

Nau Mai te Ako – Sustaining Capability through Leadership and Kaitiakitanga at Every Level. 

Leadership. Stewardship. Capability. Future.

The 2027 conference theme recognises that leadership is not limited to those with formal authority. Learning and Development professionals lead every day through the learning experiences they design, the conversations they facilitate, the relationships they build and the change they enable. 

By bringing together leadership and kaitiakitanga, Tahu Ignite 2027 invites us to consider how we can:

• develop sustainable capability within our organisations
• create learning cultures that support growth and performance
• influence change and drive organisational success
• strengthen professional practice and mastery
• support future-focused learning and innovation
• steward the people, knowledge and relationships that underpin capability development. 

What Might We Explore?

While programme development is still underway, conversations are expected to include topics such as:

• Leadership at every level
• Sustainable capability development
• Learning culture and organisational performance
• Organisational change and transformation
• Future-focused learning practice
• Technology, innovation and capability
• Coaching, facilitation and learning leadership
• Professional growth and mastery
• Stewardship of people, knowledge and organisational capability

The final conference programme will be developed over the coming months and will continue to align with the overarching Learning and Development Week narrative.