Theme: Through my Eyes

This year, TEDxYouth@Paparangi aspires to answer this question. Our event theme of ‘Through My Eyes’ asks young people across Wellington what the world looks like through the lens they wear. Our theme describes how each speaker chooses to and has seen the society they live in, how their perspective has moulded them into the people they are and the future that they believe in. Join our community of people making change in their small worlds as we explore ideas around character, opportunity, taking action and so much more.

The event will take place at Newlands College Hall (68 Bracken Road), on June 1st 2022, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. On the night you'll hear from eight speakers who have been working tirelessly to craft impactful speeches. The event also includes other live performances like the jazz band and cultural groups, catering (small nibbles) and the opportunity to interact with booths, where you will be prompted to interact with and share your ideas. Are you ready?

Newlands College
68 Bracken Road, Newlands
Exhibition/Drama Room
Wellington, Wellington, 6037
New Zealand

Cadence Chung

The impact of entrenched historical narratives in our modern age

Cadence Chung is a poet, student, and musician at the Wellington School of Music. From an early age, writing has been a passion, getting published in her teen years, with her debut chapbook ‘anomalia’ being released in April 2022. Insightful by nature, Cadence, in her work to put on the second part of her original musical ‘In Blind Faith’ reflects on the histories not told. In her talk, she explores the narratives which went unwritten, delving into discussion around how the entrenched narratives we are told influences our modern age.

Mannfred Sofara & To'e Lokeni

The perception of prosperity

Born in Samoa, both Mannfred and To’e moved to New Zealand when they were young, coming to live in Porirua. At their school, Mannfred and To’e grew to be leaders, with Mannfred taking on the role of head boy, and To’e becoming the deputy head boy. In their time at Bishop Viard, both learners have seen great success in their start-up business - "Fa'amalosi Say It Right", receiving a National Yes Enterprise Award for smart technology. In their talk, they discuss their experiences, their values and how they mesh with the notions of Pasifika success.

Nora Quigley

The power of imperfect activism

As a young person, Nora has accomplished a lot in little time. Being active in the social justice space at 15, Nora joined various campaigns and organizations including school strike for climate, MakeIt16 and Shakti Youth. Yet, despite all that she has done, activism hasn’t been an easy journey for Nora. As a young person living in today’s disjointed world, there can be so much pressure to be ‘perfect’ - to spend all your time and energy fighting for social justice. In her TEDx talk, Nora speaks to imperfect activism. How meaningful change comes not through the attainment of perfection by one, but rather through imperfect change made by many.

Russell Gill

How the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals are not your debate

Russell is a young person looks to show, not tell, the life they, and many others like them live. They are incredibly passionate about anything theatre related, and use their stage to share to share important stories. This year, Russell hopes to paint a narrative in the mind of the audience. By walking through the daily lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, Russell illustrates how different, yet similar the experiences they have had are. In their TEDx talk, Russell speaks on how being LGBTQ+ has changed them, not in some immense event, but rather in the everyday life they live.

Ryan Pugh

Teaching and technology - the link taken for granted

An entrepreneurial do-gooder, Ryan supports the Aotea Tech Club, RecycleADevice and RemojoTech - charities that support their local communities by reparing and then donating devices to those in need. Ryan discusses his part in the development of these charities and shows how big changes can be made, one small step at a time. While limited in the work he can do, Ryan hopes to share how big of an impact each small action can make. How having a device, while taken for granted now, can mean so much more for a family who doesn’t have one - especially in our modern age.

Saoirse Lynch

Inaccessibility in the diagnoses of neurodiverse individuals

Saoirse, a year 12 at College makes us consider in her TEDx talk how even after diagnoses, to live as someone with a learning disability can prevent us from achieving all we want to achieve. From a young age, Saoirse has been incredibly passionate about making a difference and giving a voice to those who are unable to stand in the spotlight themselves. However, reaching this point hasn’t been easy. Touching on personal experiences around her inability to diagnose dyslexia - a learning disability she has had her whole life - Saoirse weaves a narrative of disabilities which can not be seen. And issues which can no longer go unanswered.

Zoe Dzapasi

The crushing reality of black exceptionalism

Zoe Dzapasi is a Zimbabwean-born, Kiwi-raised 16-year-old girl living in Wellington. An avid debater and self-described music connoisseur, Zoe is excited to speak about the 'polarity in stereotypes of people of colour'. Through reflection on her experiences of racism in New Zealand and how stereotyping has affected her identity, Zoe explores her personal journey of realisation, acceptance and self-confidence. A journey of coming to terms with the exceptionalism which marks life as a person of colour.