Regenerative Farmer
Having grown up on a farm near Methven, Mid-Canterbury, Greg went on to study Agriculture at Massey University before becoming the owner of Mangarara Station. Located in Hawkes Bay, Mangarara is the channel through which Greg strives to leave a long-lasting legacy on both the planet and his children. In addition to being a family farm, it is also heralded as an Eco Lodge where guests can both learn about paradise and experience it. Greg considers himself a steward who is farming for the future alongside his wife, children and many pets.
Learn more about Greg and his work at https://tedxauckland.com/people/greg-hart/
Sustainability Scientist / Engineer / Author
Kate Meyer is a sustainability scientist, engineer and author with a vision of the future that has humans, the guardians of the planet, flourishing while prioritising planetary health. In her early career, she led the sustainable design for many award-winning developments in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. During this time Kate noticed a chasm between the science of sustainability and organisations’ policies and practices. Her response was to found the Planetary Accounting Network, a charitable trust that helps people, businesses and governments operate within the planet’s limits. She is also the Business Director for Sustainability at Beca, leading their efforts to positively impact community, economic and environmental outcomes across a range of locations. Her world-changing pursuits are receiving national and international recognition, poised to shape the future of earth-saving efforts.
Learn more about Kate and her work at https://tedxauckland.com/people/kate-meyer/
Entrepreneur
After the passing of her mother and the subsequent separation from her father and brother, Kaye-Maree Dunn, as a child, found herself away from her whānau (extended family), iwi (tribe) and, ultimately, her ahurea tuakiri (cultural identity). Decades on, Kaye-Maree is not only dedicated to connecting the dots of her own whakapapa (ancestry), but giving others the tools to do so too.
In 2018, Kaye-Maree started Āhau, a blockchain-based whānau data platform that is reconnecting indigenous people and pākehā (people of non-Māori descent) with their past and identities. She also serves within the C-suite of Indigital Blockchain Limited and Making Everything Achievable Limited. For Kaye-Maree, though, her extensive work within Māori-specific community and economic development projects goes beyond connecting her with others by also bridging the gap between her past, present and future.
Learn more about Kaye-Maree and her work at https://tedxauckland.com/people/kaye-maree-dunn/
Architect / Artist
Matt Liggins (Ngati Ruanui) is an architect and artist whose work is held in collections around the world. He also founded cross discipline practice Matt Liggins Studio and is a respected Professional Teaching Fellow at Te Pare, The University of Auckland's School of Architecture and Planning. Contemporary and thought-provoking, Matt’s many installations epitomise his approach of critiquing, commenting and testing topical ideas through a blend of technology and performance. Furthermore, his architectural projects, ranging from new residential houses to alterations and additions, have been realised across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.
Learn more about Matt and his work at https://tedxauckland.com/people/matt-liggins/
Regenerative Farmers
From self-proclaimed “young and naive” environmental science students to farmers and co-founders of Pakaraka Permaculture, Niva and Yotam Kay are revolutionising food-growing practices worldwide. From their ¼ acre farm on the Coromandel Peninsula, they produce over 10,000 kg of fresh vegetables to be sold at local markets, shops and cafes as well as through made to order veggie boxes. Pakaraka Permaculture also operates as an education centre to advocate for and share sustainable farming practices. In addition, Niva and Yotam share their learnings via online courses and their best-selling book “The Abundant Garden.”
Learn more about Niva and Yotam and their work at https://tedxauckland.com/people/niva--yotam-kay/
Intangible Asset Specialist
Having observed the shift from an economy driven by tangible assets to one driven by intangible assets, Paul grew frustrated about the opportunities missed when companies and countries misunderstand how to identify, value and commercialise these critical assets. This frustration led him to found EverEdge Global, an advisory firm that sees companies and capital providers convert intangible assets into measurable growth and increased enterprise value.
Paul has been named one of the top intellectual property strategists in the world nine years in a row by IAM Magazine and is renowned for his advocacy for the fundamental role that intangible assets have in corporate performance. He is also a frequent guest speaker at global intangible asset, strategy, valuation and commercialisation conferences and events.
Learn more about Paul and his work at https://tedxauckland.com/people/paul-adams/