USA Learning Stories Intensive Study Tour
13 – 20 March 2026, New Zealand
Discover the unique beauty of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and enrich your professional practice on our exclusive week-long study tour. Designed for a small group of only 9 educators from the USA, this journey is a special opportunity to explore the principles of our early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki, and learn about bicultural practice firsthand.
You will have the chance to attend our renowned Celebrating Learning Stories Conference, participate in inspiring workshops, and gain new insights from experts like Wendy Lee, a world leader in Learning Stories.
Beyond the conference, you’ll immerse yourself in our culture and stunning landscapes, with visits to sites of natural and cultural significance and authentic experiences with tangata whenua (the people of the land).
This tour is more than professional development—it’s an enriching cultural exchange. Come, learn, and be inspired!
What’s included?
- All accommodation & most meals
- Travel within New Zealand
- Full day Learning Stories Conference
- Visits to Early Childhood Settings
- Museums & cultural performances
- Visits to local areas of significance
- Informative & Inspiring Workshops
Step into a day of inspiration, connection and possibility! Celebrate the power of storytelling and the heart of Te Whāriki to nurture curious, confident and compassionate learners. Unite voices from near and far, unlock fresh perspectives and reignite your passion. Dive deep into practice, connect with kindred spirits and help weave a brighter future through every story shared.
This year’s conference brings everyone together in one space, rather than breaking into workshop sessions, for a shared professional learning experience. You’ll gain insight from leading voices in early childhood education with opportunities to reflect, discuss, and apply new ideas as a group. This will be a powerful way to learn as one community, united by our shared passion for mokopuna and their growth.
This will also be an opportunity to share a little of the history of ELP and our journey with Learning Stories. In 2000 Wendy founded a company called Wendy Lee and Associates and within a year, in 2001, this became ELP – the Educational Leadership Project. Throughout our history we have had a strong focus on assessment in ECE settings and in particular Learning Stories. Today we not only celebrate 30 years of Te Whāriki but also 25 years of the Educational Leadership Project. Let the storytelling and celebrations begin!!
Accommodation:
In Auckland, accommodation will be at the Learning Stories Conference venue, Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre (4 nights)
In Rotorua, accommodation will be traditional ‘Marae Style’ in a shared room, at Taheke Opatia Marae, nestled on the shore of beautiful Lake Rotoiti (3 nights)
Not included:
Flights to New Zealand,
Two meals during free time
Travel insurance
Conditions:
50% Deposit required before 13 January 2026
Full Payment before 13 February 2026
Payment: you will be sent an invoice, which you may pay by credit card, bank transfer, or PayPal
