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 Auckland Engineering building
20 Symonds Street
Auckland, Auckland, 1010
New Zealand

Cameron Leakey

Masters of Public Health Student, The University of Auckland

Cameron Leakey is a postgraduate student in Public Health in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. He is interested in health equity and bettering health outcomes for our rainbow communities. He works as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Population Health and Politics & International Relations and holds interest in both subject areas, as well as the intersection of the two.

Dr Niki Harré

Psychology Professor, The University of Auckland

Niki Harré is a professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland. Her recent research projects have focused on sustainable communities and schools, core human values, positive youth development and political activism. In 2007 Niki edited, with Quentin Atkinson, the book Carbon Neutral by 2020: How New Zealanders Can Tackle Climate Change. Her two latest books are The Infinite Game: How to Live Well Together and Psychology for a Better World: Working with People to Save the Planet. This year she is investigating if, and how, it is possible to apply some of the insights and practices from religion in a secular context. Niki is especially interested in how to promote deep dialogue, constructive decision making and collective action for human and ecological flourishing. Niki is also a passionate teacher and the coordinator of a three-course sustainability module available to Arts and Science students at the University of Auckland.

Grant Wyatt

Head of Human Resources – Ensign Laboratories

In a complex, disrupted and ever-changing world, unlocking your potential, utilizing your strengths and having the resilience to withstand challenges will set you apart. This talk will focus on giving you simple guidance in the areas that matter most. With a diverse background across industries, Grant has built his experience across several senior HR roles, including HR Director appointments for Mars NZ, Mars Australia and Head of HR for Ensign Laboratories with responsibility for delivering HR strategy. With over 11 years experience in a global multinational, Grant has developed strong expertise in culture evolution, change management and talent development. When he isn’t in the office, he's reading books, pursuing his love of martial art and singing along to rap music.

Jackie Chan

Digital Skills Lead at Microsoft

Jackie is a social entrepreneur, passionate about empowering young students across the STEM field. She is the founder of BrainBox Education, an organisation that aims to provide accessible supplementary education to students across Aotearoa. Previously, Jackie has held roles as a national Digital Skills Lead and Technical Training Coach. She also led the Microsoft Student Accelerator Program (MSA) as a Program Manager across Oceania that helps students bridge the digital workforce skills gap.

Linden Vazey

Leadership coach and mentor, Living on Purpose

After more than a decade in tech consulting for some of NZ’s largest firms, Linden hit a point that you’re likely familiar with. She felt stuck in a story that no longer fit. Some part of her knew there was more to life than constant people-pleasing. She didn’t understand it at the time, but she was starting a journey of growth and realizing that much of her personality and ways of living were a defense. While it had kept her safe in the past, it was keeping her from growing into the wife, mother and leader she knew she could be. She decided that she wanted to really know herself, and to provide her children an example of a life led by courage, love and hope. In 2020 she started ‘Living on Purpose’, where she helps professionals challenge their beliefs to create their own definition of success.

Marianne Leigh

Bachelor of Music Student, The University of Auckland

Marianne Leigh is an acoustic indie-pop artist writing catchy tunes about genuine human emotions and experiences. Her songs discuss the struggles of a naive youth, the ups and downs of love, and learning life lessons. She is a versatile artist, her authenticity heard in both her emotional ballads and upbeat singles. The 18-year-old placed first in the nationwide Smokefree Rockquest competition, has performed her single live on RNZ, and has collabed with Jamie McDell on their single 'Streetlights'. Her latest EP 'simple things' is out now on all streaming platforms.

Sam Kamani

Cofounder and CEO - Ensydr.com, Podcaster and Amazon best-selling author

Sam is a serial entrepreneur, co-Founder and CEO of Ensydr.com, the company on a mission to make trading and investment accessible to 2.6 billion gamers around the world. Since graduating in Computer Science, Sam has worked in three continents and continues to work with startups in NZ and Silicon Valley. Besides advising startups, Sam has also published 2 books, "The 30 Day Startup" which became an instant Amazon Bestseller and "Business in the time of Corona". Where he shares how to pivot in times of disruption. Sam also hosts a podcast "Web3 with Sam Kamani", a podcast about opportunities in the world of Blockchain, DeFi, Metaverse, NFTs, Crypto, AI and more. Outside of work, Sam lives with his wife Amanda and 3 sons in Auckland and enjoys camping, oil painting, online gaming and playing tennis.

Sarah Premkumar

Bachelors of Health Science and Commerce Student, The University of Auckland

Sarah Premkumar is a 21-year-old student from Chennai, South India who is passionate about the nonprofit world, and has worked with many NGO's including Samaritans Purse, Mukti Mission, STEPS homes, National Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing and various social work that her family carries out in Chennai. She is also a blogger and small business owner on the side. At TEDxUoA this year, she’ll be talking about how reflecting on her experiences and heritage has influenced and informed the current work that she does, and the things that she’s passionate about.