Theme: Beyond

Beyond is a concept that refers to something that is outside or beyond the limits of what is known or understood. It can encompass a wide range of ideas, including physical, intellectual, and spiritual realms. In the physical world, beyond can refer to the furthest reaches of space, the depths of the ocean, or uncharted territories on land. Intellectually, beyond can refer to concepts that are too complex or abstract for the human mind to fully comprehend, such as the nature of reality or the origins of the universe. Spiritually, beyond can refer to the realm of the divine or supernatural, which is often beyond the understanding of human consciousness. Ultimately, the concept of beyond reminds us that there is always more to discover and understand in the world around us, and that there are limits to our knowledge and understanding.

Davis theater
9 Davis Crescent, Newmarket
Auckland, Auckland, 1052
New Zealand

Angela Clark

Forensic Anthropologist

Dr Angela Clark is a dedicated Lecturer at the University of Otago and respected Forensic Anthropologist and Human Remains Specialist in Aotearoa New Zealand. With over 20 years of experience in examining and analysing human remains in forensic, historical, and archaeological contexts, she possesses a wealth of expertise in her field. Driven by a profound passion for her work, she seamlessly integrates her extensive professional casework experience with a holistic bioarchaeological perspective and a Kaupapa Māori-aligned approach to forensic human identification. At the forefront of her research, she delves into the transformative potential of 3D technology within the courtroom. Working with Māori partners and key stakeholders, she explores how cutting-edge technology can revolutionise the field while navigating the vital realm of Indigenous Data Ethics and Māori Data Governance. With an unwavering commitment to cultivating a justice system that fosters meaningful change…

Danny Chan

BCA (Hons), ACA, CMA, FCSAP

A third generation New Zealand Chinese, Danny was brought up in Wellington. After graduating from Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) with Honours in 1973, Danny became a part-time lecturer and tutor in managerial finance and business analysis at VUW for 12 years. In 2017, he was awarded the Distinguished Alumni of VUW. After spending 16 years in investment management during the 70s and the 80s. In 1986, Danny was appointed by the world’s largest funds management company, Fidelity Investments, to head their Taiwan operation. He returned to New Zealand in 1994 to develop his own businesses, including education, investment and financial management and consultancy, floriculture, seafood processing and security systems. He was a founder of Academic Colleges Group (ACG). In recent years, he has been involved in start-ups in e-learning, health and wellbeing and environmental sustainability related industries. Danny holds several directorships. He is a director of UP Education Limited...

Kiara Lehnert

Penguin Keeper at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium, Auckland

A Marine Biologist and SCUBA diver with three years’ experience caring for King and Gentoo penguins, Kiara believes science communication and education is key to conserving Aotearoa’s taonga wildlife. Kiara shares how the penguins for whom she cares are ambassadors for their threatened wild counterparts, enabling invaluable research as well as connecting people to the ocean through a desire to protect what they love. Combining two of her interests, art and science, Kiara facilitates “Penguins For Penguins” – a uniquely creative conservation fundraising initiative which contributes directly to rescue, rehabilitation and research. What we know about penguins and their environment is only the tip of the iceberg so Kiara encourages rangatahi to channel their passions and dive deep beyond to find the answers to the unknown.

Lion Yang

Barrister

Lion is a barrister in Auckland, specialising in regulatory and civil litigation. He graduated from the University of Auckland, where he obtained a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons). He is currently pursuing a Master of Laws degree and is a passionate learner who continually strives to study and enhance his expertise. Outside of his daily legal practice, he is an experienced music tutor, chess teacher, and wood sculptor. Ultimately, Lion has a lifelong passion for seeking the boundaries of the mind, investigating the intricacies of the world, and exploring the mysteries of the human experience.

Nic Harty-Morris

Operation Manager at Everybody Eats

Nic has long believed in the power of food as a force for social change. His commitment to ethical, sustainable practices has informed a hospitality career in renowned establishments across New Zealand, Australia and the U.K. More recently, Nic took a step away from the food industry to complete a Master of Applied Social Work degree at Massey University. Now, as the Operations Manager of Everybody Eats, Nic combines his passion for sustainable food systems with a dedication to social justice and community development. Everybody Eats is a charitable dining concept that utilises rescued food to feed bellies, not bins. Their pay-as-you-feel, volunteer-run restaurants offer three-course meals, five nights a week in Onehunga, Wellington and Glen Innes.

Olivia Hall

Registered Dietitian

I am a New Zealand Registered Dietitian with Masters level training in medical nutrition therapy - the use of nutrition to treat or manage diseases. I am currently based in Northland as a Surgical Dietitian at Whangarei Hospital, working with patients pre and post gastric, facial or orthopaedic surgery to enhance health outcomes. This may involve the use of oral nutrition supplements, enteral or parenteral nutrition. I am passionate about holistic approaches to nutrition that tailor recommendations to individuals and consider the role of foods and overall dietary patterns in mental, physical and spiritual health. I enjoy being outdoors, teaching group fitness classes and experimenting in the kitchen in my spare time.

Sunny Le

Pianist

Greetings, everyone! Allow me to introduce myself as Sunny Le, a young pianist and Year 13 ACG student. I embarked on my piano journey at the age of 5 and currently study under the tutelage of Katherine Austin. At 14, I achieved the LTCL diploma with high distinction. Notable accolades include winning the Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival competition, ranking top in New Zealand for Cambridge A Level Music, and receiving multiple music scholarships, notably the Alice Cole Scholarship. Additionally, I secured second place nationally in the New Zealand Chamber Music Contest as the lead pianist of the chamber group "Good Fellas." I have consistently excelled in regional competitions, earning prestigious awards such as the SAPACS Lions Shield for outstanding senior performance. Beyond my own performances, I strive to inspire the community by promoting inclusive performing opportunities for individuals of all skill levels, fostering positive change through the power of music

Yi Yang

Artist

Yi Yang is a talented and versatile independent artist who has been traveling between New Zealand and China for over a decade. He is renowned for his exceptional sculptures and oil paintings, which have been collected by numerous world-class art collectors. Despite his remarkable success, Yi's journey as an artist has not been without challenges, and he has had to overcome many difficulties and failures along the way. Nonetheless, he believes that these experiences have shaped him into the artist he is today. Yi aims to inspire young people by sharing the stories behind his pursuit of "Beyond.