Theme: The Divide

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

University of Waikato
Knighton Road
Hamilton, Waikato, 3204
New Zealand

Adele Hauwai

Epilepsy Warrior

Adele Hauwai is of Ngati-Maniapoto, Ngati-Kahungunu, and Tuhoe descent. She is a Co-Founder of SeeCom, Talk Medicine, and is a board member of Healing Innovation Hub. Beyond experiencing traumatic brain injuries and also abuse as a child (causing epilepsy and many other challenges), she's always learnt to use her heart as her brain. She has university degrees in Special Education and Business. Her passions include learning, helping others, entrepreneurship, & sign language.

Andre Prassinos

Microbial Bosses Pulling Your Strings

Andre was born in Reno, Nevada and grew up in Denver, Colorado. He moved to NZ in 1998 with his wife-to-be, Heather. The pair are now raising two young Kiwis and live in the Bay of Plenty. When he is not trying to figure out how probiotics can save the planet, Andre likes to trail run, tramp, ski, climb, and has recently become a competitive Brazilian jiu-jitsu player.

Eugenia Nikiforow

Is Food Your Drug of Choice?

Eugenia is an Eating Psychology Coach and a speaker. She has a BSc in Business Psychology and her background is in Psychology, Coaching, Mindfulness, Nutrition, Personal Development, Business and Marketing. She is the founder of Mindfoodness - Eating Psychology Clinic and is helping people to feel "in control" around food again by combining Nutrition, Psychology and Neuroscience. She is based in Hamilton but is working with clients all over the world. She is regularly featured in the media and her advice has been sought out on Radio Stations, local online media, magazines such as NEXT and Good Health Choices, and international online media such as Now To Love and MSN. You will also hear Eugenia regularly sharing her passion and knowledge about Eating Psychology and business on podcasts.

James Hutchinson

From scientist to entrepreneur

James is as self-confessed Mad Scientist – he holds a PhD in Chemistry and believes in the power of New Zealand science to transform lives and change the world. James is super-passionate about unleashing an entrepreneurial insurgency across NZ that will ensure we thrive as a nation in the future and not just survive.James leads the Kiwi Innovation Network (KiwiNet) which is the combined power of New Zealand’s Universities, Crown Research Institutes and other research organisations who receive public funding. Together they are driving NZ towards a globally-competitive technology sector that delivers significant economic growth and prosperity.

Jess Stuart

Even Superwoman Suffers Imposter Syndrome

Jess helps busy, high achievers build confidence, self-awareness and resilience to realise their potential. An Imposter Syndrome expert who specialises in Women in Leadership, Jess has a background in Senior HR roles and a decade in the corporate world. International speaker, coach and author of three personal development books. The latest of which, The Superwoman Survival Guide, is designed to help women unlock their potential and thrive at life. Giving practical advice and tips for building resilience, leveraging strengths whilst navigating fear, getting over self-doubt and mastering the art of balance. Jess believes that tapping into your potential doesn’t mean doing more or having to be different. It’s uncovering what’s already there and being enough as you are.

Jonathan Nabbs

Happiness lessons from depression survivors

Jonathan is a 29-year old trail runner, wellness researcher and life enthusiast from Kaipaki, New Zealand. He’s motivated by growth and learning, seeing the world and helping people let their lights shine brighter. His favourite thing to do is to explore new trails in New Zealand's awesome national parks. Jonathan believes that there's a positive way we can talk about mental health - a way that makes us feel energised, liberated, and uplifted. And New Zealand is the best place in the world to learn about it!

Nicola Turner

Sustainability lessons: composting undies

After a career in the global consumer goods industry, Nicola Turner has learned far too much about our shopping habits and how to make us consume more. Her life was set on a different trajectory with a personal quest to live more lightly on the planet. And now in a weird twist of irony she uses her understanding of shopper behaviour to get us to buy and consume less. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear and the way we get around - it’s all about mindful consumption and it's better for our own wellbeing and the wellbeing of the planet.

Rosalie Ann Norton

Volunteering: A Gift You Give Yourself

TEDxRuakura’s youngest ever speaker, Rosalie is 15 and currently attends Hillcrest High School. Rosalie and her younger sister have their own business 'mindbox.nz' where they run workshops and events around looking after your mental wellness as a teen. Rosalie is also a committee member of Seed Waikato and is on the committee of the Waikato Women's Fund. She loves playing music and song writing, as well as performing in local musicals and plays here in Hamilton.

Stu Muir

Regenerative Environmental Pioneer

Stuart is the Chair of Endangered Species Foundation, instigated major Wetland, whitebait, dune lake pest control and restoration projects. He’s a farmer, surfer, father, husband and an eco-tourist operator. He is a Nominee for NZER of Year, Kiwibank local hero and has a couple of Ballance Farm Environmental awards. Stuart feels his reason for being is creating a nation/worldwide backyard movement of species restoration