Theme: RE:IMAGINE

TEDxTauranga invites participants to re-conceptualise how we act and adapt, to re-imagine our changing world.

University of Waikato
Durham Street
Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, 3150
New Zealand

Akash Dutta

Akash Dutta is a jazz pianist and composer based in Wellington and is completing his postgraduate jazz studies at the New Zealand School of Music at Victoria University. His original works span a wide range of genres, from works for solo piano, compositions for radio dramas, and film soundtracks. He is deeply involved in the NZ jazz scene, playing with various ensembles ranging from the NZSM Big Bands to the Wellington Ska Orchestra. Akash's postgraduate work concerns the adaptation of Middle Eastern music into the jazz canon, which is strongly reflected in his music.

Angela Loucks Alexander

Audiologist specialising in auditory processing

Dr. Angela Alexander, Audiologist is the Director of Education at Auditory Processing Institute where she teaches Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists how to provide effective auditory processing services ranging from testing to treatment through online, on-demand courses. Angela has spent the past fifteen years specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of Auditory Processing Disorder, a hearing difficulty that has less to do with the ears and more to do with the brain. She co-authored the chapter titled “Therapy and Management of Auditory Processing Disorders” in the most recent Handbook of Clinical Audiology. Her podcast, Between Two Ears has recently launched discussing and demonstrating listening and hearing disorders in ways you may have not previously considered.

Matt Watkins

3D printing using recycled plastics

Matt Watkins is the founder of One Earth Technologies, a nascent startup combining 3D printing and recycled material processing to build the houses of the future. He also operates Special Studio, specializing in 3D printed designer homewares made from recycled materials. Previously, Matt co-founded SoundSwitch, a hardware-software application providing immersive music experiences by automatically synchronizes audio and lights (acquired by InMusic Brands.)

Meng Foon

Race Relations Commissioner for New Zealand

Made in China – born in Gisborne – working for Aotearoa Meng Foon was born in Tairāwhiti to working class migrant parents but soon immersed himself in a community that didn’t look or sound like him. His family’s early toil as market gardeners was profitable in a business sense but more importantly it brought its social benefits– with the Foon’s connecting with people across the region and from all backgrounds. This grounding, and interest in Te Ao Māori, evolved into a talent of building relationships within and between varied and diverse communities. It is this talent which was showcased in 18 years as Gisborne Mayor but has taken on even greater with Meng’s appointment as Race Relations Commissioner in 2019. Meng draws on his past experiences to highlight how some of our present race issues can be resolved to create a more harmonious Aotearoa for the future.

Sandra Clair

Plant based medicine

Dr Sandra Clair is one of New Zealand’s most highly qualified Registered Medical Herbalists, a medical anthropologist (M.A.), and the founder of traditional plant medicine company Artemis. She completed a PhD in Health Sciences at the University of Canterbury in 2019, looking at the health policy challenges in regulating traditional medicines in the era of contemporary evidence-based health policy. She is a member of the New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists (NZAMH) committee, helping to grow and promote the profession of medical herbalists. For her work at Canterbury University, she was recognised as a UC Alumni Ambassador. Sandra is an expert in traditional plant medicine for self-care. She is driven by the genuine desire to make it easy and pleasurable to look after our health. Her vision is to share her proven medical knowledge of plants so that New Zealanders will discover how they can heal us and keep us well.

Vitale Lafaele

Leadership through Values - Ex Police commander and Special Forces

Vitale Lafaele was a soldier in the NZ Army for 7 years and served 30 years in Police in Tamaki Makaurau. Vitale rose to the rank of Detective Inspector, Area Commander and commanded the NZ Police Armed Offenders and STG Counter Terrorist Group. Under his leadership, tactical squads were deployed in some of the most nationally significant events in recent times such as the Napier siege, Urewera anti-terrorist raids, and the highly publicised New Lynn hostage rescue, the only explosive entry in NZ Police history. Vitale’ leadership journey is fascinating, influential and powerful and he sums it all up in one simple word – “Values”.