We are thrilled to share the finalised programme for the upcoming SLANZA Southern Hui, packed with inspiring sessions, practical workshops, and the celebration of our SLANZA Awards recipients—alongside fantastic opportunities to connect with sector colleagues, made possible by our generous sponsors!

Southern Hui - Programme of Events 
James Hargest College, Invercargill 
 
Monday 28th September 
1:30pm - Powhiri & Welcome - Sponsored by Accessit
2pm – Keynote Speaker: Ruth Shaw - Sponsored by Accessit  
3pm - School Library Tour of three local schools 
5.30pm - Drinks & nibbles @ Ascot Hotel 
6.30pm - Dinner and entertainment – includes SLANZA Awards presentation @ Ascot Hotel 
 
Tuesday 29th September 
9.30am – Keynote Speaker – Sonya Wilson – Sponsored by Oliver Softlink 
10.30am - ‘The Answer is in the Room’ collab session 
11am – Morning tea 
11.30am – Workshop Breakouts – 4 options (45mins) 
12.30pm – Workshop Breakouts – 4 options (45mins) 
1.30pm – Lunch 
2.30pm – Keynote Speaker: Kyle Mewburn – Sponsored by Book Protection Products 
3.30pm - Keynote Speaker: Pauline Smith – Sponsored by Wheelers 
4.30pm - Closing & Karakia 

You'll find a downloadable PDF link of this programme on our main information page.

​Southern Hui is fast approaching. Maybe you’re still on the fence about attending?  This might be your answer!

SLANZA is offering three individual grants to members at a value of $800 each.

Take your professional development to the next level by applying for a grant to attend the upcoming Southern Hui. This funding is designed to help passionate school library staff cover attendance costs, empowering you to connect with peers, discover innovative engagement strategies, and bring fresh ideas back to your school community.
Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to collaborate, learn, and grow - submit your application today and invest in your library's future!
​
To be considered for a grant, please meet the following criteria:

• You must be a current SLANZA member.
• Please provide a written statement that includes:
  • A brief introduction to yourself, your role, and your library experience.
  • An explanation of how attending the hui will benefit you and your school's library team.
• Preference will be given to first-time applicants who have not previously received a SLANZA grant.
• You must confirm your commitment to attending both days of the hui.
• You will commit to writing an article for Collected #38, and/or report back at your regional meeting about things you learnt and what you took away from hui.

Please send your grant application to [email protected] by August 26th 2026

We are excited to invite you to submit your workshop abstracts.  
The success of our hui depends entirely on the expertise you bring. We know that within our membership lies an incredible wealth of experience and knowledge; whether you are a veteran or just finding your feet in the school library world, we know that you have ideas and innovations that deserve to be shared. 
We are looking for practical, engaging, and innovative presentations that our members can take back to their own libraries and implement, or topical issues facing our libraries today. 

How to Submit: 
Please submit your proposal by July 31st 2026 
Your abstract should include: 

• Workshop Title: Keep it punchy and descriptive. 

• Target Audience: (e.g., Primary, Secondary, All levels). 

• Learning Objectives: 2–3 key takeaways for attendees. 

• Brief Description (150–200 words): Outline the content and the interactive elements you plan to include. 

 
Submit your abstract here 
Don’t undersell your own expertise. The strategy that feels like "just part of the job" to you might be the exact lightbulb moment a colleague has been looking for.  
We can’t wait to see what you have to share! 
Also - don’t forget to register for Southern Hui if you haven’t already! ​

This gathering is a fantastic opportunity for us to step away from our busy desks, connect with colleagues, and dive into some fresh ideas that will help us keep our libraries vibrant and essential parts of our school communities.
Whether you’re looking to sharpen your professional practice, seeking inspiration for your library space, or simply wanting to catch up with fellow school librarians, this hui is for you. We’ve curated a programme that will entertain you, answer your questions, and let you connect with others in the sector. 
Register today!

Meet Our Speakers 
We’re excited to be hosting a lineup of guest speakers  

• Kyle Mewburn: Prolific children’s book author who has just debuted her adult novel, 'Sewing Moonlight' 
• ​Ruth Shaw: Known for her three wee bookshops at the bottom of the world 
• Pauline Smith: Author of 'Dawn Raids', and the recently published sequel 'The Apology' 
• Sonya Wilson Founder of Kiwi Christmas Books and writer of 'The Secret Green' and 'Spark Hunter'

Between the speakers and the energy of being in a room full of like-minded library legends, we know you’ll walk away full of ideas and with a renewed spark for your mahi. Don’t miss out on being part of this special event - register now and get ready to be inspired.  
We are looking forward to seeing you in Southland.

​SLANZA is very excited to announce our Southern Hui which will be held in Invercargill in 2026. 
  
When: Beginning the afternoon of Monday 28th and continuing through to a full day on Tuesday 29th September 2026 
Where: James Hargest College, Invercargill 
Who: All school library staff, educators, and literacy advocates. 
Cost: Members $120.00 
Non-Members $150.00 
 
Over a packed one-and-a-half-day programme, we will dive into a schedule designed to spark innovation and recharge your professional battery. 
 
Our journey begins on Monday afternoon including a school library tour then moving into an evening event. This evening will be the social highlight of our gathering, featuring the prestigious SLANZA Awards where we will celebrate the "bright lights" of our profession. 
Tuesday will be a full day of collaborative workshops and inspiring keynote speakers. 
  
Accommodation packages at special rates are available at Ascot Park Hotel. 
 
For more information see the SLANZA Hui Hub