Theme: Rewrite The Narrative

What if the stories we were told no longer defined us? In a world where history and past tales define our reality, “Rewrite the Narrative” is about pressing the refresh button on our perspectives and mindsets. Whether it’s breaking generational cycles, redefining success, or reframing stereotypes, our theme builds a stronger, powerful future for our Rangatahi by providing fresh insights and paving the way for new possibilities. It’s all about embracing change, empowering personal growth, and creating a world where everyone can forge their own paths.

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

Ansh Arya

Mental Health Champion

Ansh Arya is a Year 13 from Wellington College with a wide range of hobbies and interests, ranging from Karate to Formula 1. He has traveled internationally representing New Zealand fostering global diplomacy, and manages and runs his own business, promoting health for the elderly and the injured. When was the last time you looked below the surface? Have you asked someone how they were feeling, without getting “Good” as your only response? The stigma surrounding men’s mental health lies beneath the surface, a force so impactful yet unseen. It’s time we rewrite the narrative, shifting from silence to understanding. "A silent struggle. A narrative to rewrite."

Esther Sovincet

Empowering Wordsmith

In her dad's words, “Your skin is not a barrier but a stepping stone.” Esther Oluwayemisi Sovincet, is a product of her parents' wildest dreams. Being born in Malta, growing up in England, and currently living in New Zealand, she has had to battle being part of the African diaspora for as long as she can remember. Around age 14, she realized there was so much power in words. She harnessed this power by becoming an author at the age of 16, writing her first book, “The Young Poet,” and participating in many speeches where she was given the opportunity to share her ideas. Her proudest moment in this field was being named the 2023 National Champion of the Race Unity Speech Competition. But when asked the question, "Who am I? The answer is always simple for Esther. ‘I am a child of God.’ She was raised in a Christian household with two loving parents and three sisters. She has been blessed with the opportunity to know Jesus from a young age, and it has become a huge part of her life.

Jared Lasike

Cultural Academic Advocate

Hailing from Rotorua, Jared attends Rotorua Boys High School where he is lucky enough to be head boy. He is of Tongan and Maori descent and this is something which has greatly influenced his speech. He will be talking about Maori and Pasifika in academia, the current state of it in New Zealand, the stigma which surrounds it, and what he hopes for the future.

Leilani Faaiuaso

Cultural Empowerment Leader

The longing to be enough, to fit the narrative and to belong is a common human experience. But for many Pacific People in Aotearoa, this is a lived experience of balancing their cultural identities. Every characteristic, every achievement and every action is judged against exceptional measures or pulled down in crab mentality. So when is enough, enough? Leilani Faaiuaso is a 3rd generation New Zealand-born Samoan, whose service and leadership to her communities are a continuation of her family's legacies. She is a governance changemaker, Pasifika and youth advocate, and is finishing her double degree (BBus/BA) at Massey University. By sharing her stories and experiences, Leilani unpacks how her lived experiences have impacted her journey to connect and embrace her culture. Join us to hear Leilani's inspiring journey and be empowered to challenge cultural imposter syndrome in knowing that enough is enough.

Leo Robin Mwape

Revolutionary Thinker

Leo Robin Mwape is a student from Palmerston North Boys High School. Lately, Leo’s been preoccupied with thinking a lot about change. Themes of ‘counter-culture’ and intellectual development continue to be a prevalent topic of conversation at every point in our society's history. In his talk, he looks forward to exploring human perception and its alignment with reality.

Lola Fisher

Youth Media Visionary

Lola Fisher is an advocate for youth representation in media and is the CEO of Create Happy Media, the largest youth-led media platform in Aotearoa. Growing up in the digital age, Lola noticed online platforms often misrepresented the voices of the younger generation. She decided to co-found a digital media platform, Create Happy Media to amplify youth voices and give young journalists a chance to share their perspectives and stories. Now working full time on Create Happy, Lola continues to redefine what it means to tell stories, firmly believing in the power of community, working hard to create spaces where young journalists can contribute meaningfully. Her TEDx talk will explore the power of youth storytelling, and how genuine representation can shape public perception and give young people not just a seat at the table, but a say in the conversation.

Nishka Parekh

Authentic Success Advocate

Nishka is a 17, soon-to-be 18-year-old who was not born in, but brought up in the lovely Te-Whanganui-a-Tara. At any random moment, you'll likely find her on the turf playing hockey, in bed reading, or craving tiramisu. Her speech is about the importance of small successes, highlighting the harms of stereotypes and the narrow way success is often depicted in our society. She will explore the power of shifting our perspective from "I" to "we" when we celebrate success, recognizing the significant contributions that rangatahi make and have the potential to make in the world today.