PROGRAMME

8.30am - 8.45am

Mihi Whakatau

8.45am - 9.00am

Conference opening
Julian Wilcox - Conference MC

9.00am - 9.30am

Invited speaker

From 12.30pm

All fieldshops will have you back at the Copthorne Hotel and Resort (conference venue) by 5.30pm.

Explore the Kawiti Caves and Te Ruapekapeka Pā
Step into Northland’s natural beauty and powerful history on this unforgettable journey. Begin underground, wandering through stunning limestone caves alive with glowworms and dramatic formations shaped over thousands of years. Hear fascinating stories of the caves and their deep connections to local iwi. Then travel to Te Ruapekapeka Pā, a wahi tapu site of the final major battle of the Northern War in 1846. Walk the impressive trench systems designed by Te Ruki Kawiti of the Ngāti Hine hapu and uncover the history behind this nationally significant place.

Golf above the Bay
Tee off at one of New Zealand’s most scenic golf courses and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon at Waitangi Golf Club. Set high above the Bay of Islands, this spectacular 18-hole course (9 holes will be available to play in this option) offers panoramic views across the water to Russell and beyond. Suitable for golfers of all abilities, the course combines a rewarding challenge with stunning coastal scenery. Whether you’re a regular player or simply keen to experience a unique Northland setting, this is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon immersed in the natural beauty and history of Waitangi.

Ki uta ki tai - mountains to sea walk - Puketi Kauri Walk and Rainbow Falls 
Experience the essence of ki uta ki tai - from mountains to sea - on this immersive fieldshop.  Beginning in the remarkable Puketi Forest, participants will walk beneath towering kauri, some more than 1,000 years old, in one of Aotearoa’s most significant remaining tracts of native rainforest.  The next stop is Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa) in Kerikeri, where the Kerikeri River plunges 27 metres over ancient basalt rock, often revealing shimmering rainbows in the mist.  Together, these locations showcase the ecological richness and cultural significance of the Far North.  This fieldshop offers an opportunity to step out of the conference setting and into the natural environment, connecting land, water and landscape firsthand.  The experience concludes at the Plough & Feather pub at Kerikeri Basin, with well-earned drinks and nibbles in a relaxed, historic setting overlooking the water.

Kerikeri Basin: Layered histories in the Cradle of the Nation
Discover one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most significant heritage landscapes on this immersive fieldshop to the Kerikeri Basin, a place recognised for its extraordinary Māori and early missionary contact history and proposed for UNESCO World Heritage listing. Explore the layered cultural landscape of Kororipo Pā and Te Ahurea, before visiting the nationally significant Kerikeri Mission Station, home to the historic Kemp House and Stone Store, among the country’s oldest surviving buildings. The fieldshop will also consider contemporary heritage management challenges, including flooding and climate resilience within this sensitive historic basin. The afternoon concludes with shared kai overlooking the heritage precinct at the historic Plough & Feather pub.

Kerikeri uncorked: Wine, heritage and hospitality
Step into the birthplace of New Zealand wine on this memorable Kerikeri winery field trip. Enjoy an afternoon among boutique vineyards, sampling local wines in the beautiful Bay of Islands while discovering the remarkable story of how winemaking began here more than 200 years ago. Hear from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga bringing to life the early agricultural and viticultural practices of the region, where missionaries first planted grapevines and produced wine. Rich in flavour, history and Northland hospitality, this excursion offers a delightful blend of heritage, conversation and cellar-door experience.

Slow Track: Vintage Rail Revival
Join us on the Bay of Islands Vintage Railway: the oldest passenger railway line in the North Island (1867), and the only one that runs down the middle of a State Highway! Our two-hour return journey departs from historic Kawakawa (home of the world famous Hundertwasser toilets), travelling over the longest curved wooden viaduct in the southern hemisphere. Spot endangered birds and unique wetland landscapes alongside the Taumarere River. Hear about the history and challenges of this historic railway and the dream of restoring the line to Opua, with a glass of local wine and a cheese platter. Our journey breaks at the historic Whangae Tunnel platform before returning to Kawakawa.

Te Hā o Tangaroa
Spend a spectacular afternoon on the shimmering waters of Ipipiri / Bay of Islands, visiting some of the places that featured in the Environment Court’s 2022 decision upholding controls on fishing in the Northland Regional Plan. Hear from Ngāti Kuta kaitiaki and other key participants involved in the Northland fishing appeals as they share insights into the case, the kaupapa behind the protections, and the ongoing stewardship of these remarkable coastal environments. Subject to weather, the itinerary is likely to include visits to the stunning Motukōkako / Hole in the Rock, Maunganui Bay / Deep Water Cove and a stop at Motuarohia / Roberton Island.

The Range: Calling the shots
Enjoy exclusive access to one of Northland’s most unique luxury hospitality venues, set amongst rolling countryside, The Range combines adventure, connection and exceptional hospitality in a private and relaxed setting. Guests will enjoy guided clay target shooting with expert instruction, alongside premium local food and refreshments. Suitable for both beginners and experienced shooters, this is a fantastic opportunity to experience a uniquely Northland offering.

Waitangi Mountain Bike Park experience 
The Waitangi Mountain Bike Park is a stand-out example of community-driven recreation, built and maintained through the passionate and collaboration of local volunteers, organisations and supporters. The park is a place of deep cultural significance to tangata whenua. Its management works in partnership with local hapū to ensure that the park both honours and reflects the enduring importance of Waitangi. Opened in 2016, the park is one of Aotearoa’s top riding destinations, with over 50km of professionally built trails, ranging from scenic beginner loops to technical descents.  Located just up the road from the conference location, you will hear about the creation of this valued community asset and then get the opportunity to ride in the park.  Caters for both beginner and experienced riders, the guided trails are grade 2 easy trails. You have the option of a standard mountain bike or E-bike!

Come see the stunning views of Waitangi, whilst enjoying some time outside in the stunning landscape.

7.00pm - Midnight

Conference dinner and Annual RMLA Awards
Venue: Copthorne Hotel and Resort