He puna wai, he puna kai, he puna reo, he puna ora, ita-a-ita

A water spring, a bountiful spring, a language spring, a life spring - hold fast.

In 2026 Rehu Tai will partner with the International Confederation of Principals' Convention and finalists will be invited to present to an international audience at the event held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre on 17 or 18 September.

2026 Theme 

Our Roots, Our Voices, Our Future

When we know who we are and where we come from, 

we can achieve anything.

This theme is about ensuring that every student feels like they truly belong and are supported to thrive. In Aotearoa we achieve this through connection with our land, through Te Ao Māori and by using our unique culture and environment to create a fair, healthy space where everyone can learn in their own way.

Rehu Tai has been designed to align directly with the themes of the ICP conference and their guiding whakatauki;

Purapura Korari, Ka ruia e te hau 

The seeds of the flax bush are dispersed by the four winds

Like those seeds, we want our students to be grounded in their roots, and equipped to fly where the winds take them.

2026 Auckland Finals 

Dilworth Junior Campus

Term 3 Week 7

Primary  - Term 3 Week 7: Wednesday 2 September 

entry form

Intermediate  - Term 3 Week 7: Thursday 3 September 

entry form

Participants to arrive by 5.45pm

Rehu Tai begins 6pm

Anticipated close 9pm

All finalists names by Friday 21 August 3pm

Please note that we will be asking if AI has been used in the preparation of presentations this year to assist with judging at the finals.

All schools will be required to complete a cluster final before entering into the Auckland final. For schools who do not have a cluster we will host a final for your students in early August - please contact rehutai@va.school.nz if this applies to your school.

Rehu Tai is an APPA festival and all participants should be from APPA member schools