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The 2026 NZ Howard League Whānau conference focused on the diversity and needs of the learners we support.
Two amazing speakers shared their knowledge. Phil Thompson from Protect Self Defence talked about de-escalation and using empathy in difficult situations. This included the importance of allowing learners to feel in control and maintain their autonomy and control.
Peter Thorburn guided us through Trauma Informed Practice, Addiction and Mental Health. Peter delivers from a lived experience point of view.
“Trust comes first – then learning can happen.”
Peter’s sessions prompted us to consider the high prevalence of trauma within the incarcerated population in Aotearoa, and to reflect on how we can better support our volunteers as they work alongside vulnerable learners inside the wire.
Another great takeaway was the importance of establishing trust. That’s because our volunteers and instructors are often working with learners whose experiences with systems and authority figures have been fragmented and challenging.
Trauma, learning differences and difficulties, health challenges, neurodivergent thinking and interrupted education change the shape of how an individual engages with learning. Trust comes first – then learning can happen.
It was also really special to be with our incredible volunteers in a room where everyone was learning together.
We continued to build the same skills and knowledge that we ask our volunteers to bring to tauira, including de-escalation, trauma-informed practice, and hauora.
“We left with a cleared shared commitment to supporting reintegration pathways.”
It was inspiring to hear stories from team members working across the motu – about some amazing successes and overcoming real challenges.
There was a lot of fantastic learning and development crammed into a few short days. We left with a cleared shared commitment to supporting reintegration pathways and a greater understanding of the students we support.
The conference was also an opportunity for team building, including a fun quiz night, leaving the NZ Howard League whānau feeling connected and energised.