'It's About Time' Gained Great Momentum in Taupō at INTERFACEXpo25
After an energising launch in Lincoln, Learning First travelled to Taupō for the second stop on our INTERFACEXpo 25 journey. We came carrying a message that resonates deeply with NZ Education: it’s time to tackle the persistent challenges of boosting student outcomes, reducing unsustainable teacher stress & workload, and finding more innovative ways to manage school budgets to save money. It's time to empower educators so that all our learners achieve more, in less time and to a higher standard.
Martin Hughes noted a "really solid amount of uptake and engagement both at the stand and also in the workshops," including notable interest from high schools. This shows that these challenges and the need for solutions span the sector.
Conversations with teachers, principals, and senior leaders highlighted the intensity of their daily experience. They're dedicated, but time-poor and seeking support that makes a real difference. Martin's workshop resonated because it spoke directly to their reality. Delegates described his presentation as "confronting but very motivating", a "real wake-up call." This wasn't about feeling criticised, but about acknowledging the gap between the current state (where, as Martin notes, students can become "habituated into doing less work in more time to a lower standard" when teaching isn't well-shaped) and the potential for something better. The motivation came from seeing some of Martin's practical ways forward at the workshop.
According to Martin, a key takeaway was the strong resonance of messaging focusing on benefits for teachers and students. While traditional professional development often focuses solely on student outcomes, educators today need support that addresses their workload and well-being. Martin’s approach demonstrates how strategies and smart technology can simultaneously Reduce Teacher Stress & Workload and Boost Student Outcomes. It’s about empowering the teacher so they can better empower the learner.
This focus on practical, integrated solutions connects directly to how Learning First approaches technology. In Taupō, we reiterated our philosophy that it's learning first, not technology first. Our goal isn't to simply add another gadget or app for teachers to figure out. Instead, we help schools get the most out of their existing tools by optimising their infrastructures and systems, sharing resources effectively, and ensuring technology works for teaching and learning, not against it. This is crucial for busy teachers who need streamlined processes that encourage better pedagogy, not added complexity that stifles it. The response in Taupō also underscored the critical need for comprehensive support in the current educational landscape, particularly given the changes in Ministry of Education funding for PLD. We saw proportionately many more requests for the learning audit (as well as security audits) in Taupō compared to Lincoln. This isn't just about technical fixes; educators clearly recognise the need for strategic guidance on integrating pedagogy and technology effectively. These audits are seen as a necessary first step because, as Martin observed, “there's currently no one out there offering this integrated approach”, The INTERFACE 2025 Taupō expo reinforced that the It's About Time message is gaining powerful momentum across New Zealand because it speaks directly to educators seeking real improvements to the lives of kaiako and ākonga alike. Find out how Learning First can help your school to boost outcomes, reduce stress, and save money.
The Taupō expo has finished, but there is one final opportunity to experience the Learning First difference and hear from Martin Hughes in person!
Come and meet the team, discuss your school's unique challenges, and discover the innovative alternative that puts learning first at the final INTERFACEXpo 2025:
Visit our website at https://learningfirst.nz/ to learn more about our Services.
It's About Time for a change that truly benefits everyone.
We look forward to meeting you in Auckland!
