Pūtea Whakawhanake Pouako | PPTA Learning and Development Centre
PPTA Te Wehengarua is committed to the ongoing development of the education sector and, most importantly, the professionals working within it. Kaiako need more than just time to excel at their jobs; they must be supported by learning and development opportunities that professionally enrich them.
Our Kaupapa
Our purpose is to support the kaiako workforce to provide equitable high-quality post-primary education to New Zealand’s rangatahi.
In early 2022, we were humbled and honoured to be gifted a very special name by two of Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s mana whenua iwi, Ngāti Toa and Te Atiawa: Pūtea Whakawhanake Pouako. The iwi wanted the name to be simple and accurate, capturing the essence of our learning and development mahi, yet also redolent with mana.
Pūtea means pool (a literal pool, rather than puna, a spring), in this case referring to a pool of resources.
Whakawhanake is used by Te Puni Kokiri as development; it also refers to the phases of the moon. Taken together, this imagery evokes continued tidal, seasonal and ongoing changes.
Pouako, or teacher, refers to kaiako needs.
This name is significant as the mahi we undertake gives effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and nurtures our Tiriti partnership relationships.
Our Values
Te āheinga ā-ahurea
Te whakawhanaungatanga
Whakaauaha
Whakatīnanatia
Cultural competence
Building relationships
We innovate
We deliver
Our Mahi
We listen to Aotearoa’s teachers to understand the challenges they face, to provide the most impactful learning and development opportunities to grow their professional practice. This ensures that the teaching workforce can respond to the challenges posed by learner needs in our rapidly changing world.
Through the application of our team’s pedagogical knowledge and expertise, in conjunction with the country’s best educational delivery partners, we develop and deliver enriching educational experiences for Aotearoa’s post-primary kaiako.
Subject Association Grants
Conferences in 2026
The following learning and development opportunities have been developed by the PPTA and Victoria University of Wellington:
Tohu-moroiti / Micro-credentials:
PPTA is funding eligible members to undertake the three micro-credentials developed in partnership with Victoria University of Wellington.
These post graduate courses are 50 hours of blended learning delivered over one school term and worth 5-points. By completing all three courses you will be awarded 15 points, the equivalent of a Masters paper in Education.
Registering for a micro-credential course will require you to:
- Attend a one-day face-to-face workshop (accommodation and travel costs will be reimbursed up to $600.
- Attend 3 x 1.5 hour webinars out of school time (4.00-5.30pm) across one school term
- Complete a set of assessment tasks (2-4)
From Term 2 2026, eligible PPTA members will be able to apply for a place on one of these courses:
· For the details of each course, click on the website page links below:
Effective Mentoring Practices for Teachers in Aotearoa NZ
A micro-credential course specifically developed for school leaders to learn the skills and attributes to become an effective mentor.
Contemporary Teaching Approaches for Aotearoa NZ
A micro-credential course specifically developed for educators to learn about a range of pedagogical approaches to support teachers to teach confidently, effectively and inclusively across all levels of schooling.
Working Collaboratively and Building Leadership Capability
A micro-credential course specifically developed for educators to build confidence and capability as a leader in a New Zealand school while deepening understanding of culturally responsive informed leadership.
To register for a fees-free place in one of these courses please have your PPTA membership number and use the following registration links:
- Effective Mentoring: https://register.wellingtonuni-professional.nz/register?sgid=e759a92857da450e8b7bd620156bb6d4
- Contemporary Approaches: https://register.wellingtonuni-professional.nz/register?sgid=7a9bfc1314bc411a9e9351086ccd74b3
- Working Collaboratively: https://register.wellingtonuni-professional.nz/register?sgid=bff2623907bd4e01b33f5e58263c785
Women in Educational Leadership course ($495)
- 30 hours, 1 x full day workshop (Wellington) + 2 webinars
- https://wellingtonuni-professional.nz/course/women-in-educational-leadership-2/
Past conferences and Kaiako voices:
Contact Us
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If you have any queries about our current or upcoming programmes, please email us at pld@ppta.org.nz.
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Last modified on Monday, 16 February 2026 16:28