Design Assembly is delighted to present our Spring Conversations panel discussion series for September 2022.Design For Everybody will invite 3 local creatives, (or creative adjacent individuals) to engage in an authentic discussion and Q&A about inclusion in the creative industry;

What does it mean to be inclusive in design?
What is 'lived experience' and how does it affect our work?
How can we collectively make better design for everyone?

Our Ōtautahi (Christchurch) panellists:

Johnson Mckay — Ira

Johnson is the Kaiwhakahaere Matua of Ira, a strategic and creative agency that specialises in helping Aotearoa thrive through authentic, creative work that inspires and connects us all to this whenua and to each other. He works with government, business and diverse communities to design creative solutions for a thriving Aotearoa. Johnson is passionate advocate for inclusive practises that bring together all New Zealanders to design an authentic Aotearoa together, where everyone has a voice and te reo Māori and Māori cultural perspectives enrich us all.

Matt Kito — McCarthy

Matt joined McCarthy in Ōtautahi, Christchurch as Creative Director in 2018 following stints at Strategy Creative and Studio South in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland

Sarai Mckay — Ira

The best from the East and West, Sarai descends from a line of chiefs through Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Rongomaiwahine, Taranaki and Tainui. Sarai brings her experience in strategy, communications, cultural advisory and Iwi engagement to the Ira team where she is a Pou Rautaki -- Cultural Strategist. She is passionate about Māori social, spiritual and economic development and loves the opportunities she has to make an impact on the future climate of Tangata Whenua, Tangata Tiriti relationships.

Kelly Lovelock — Plato Creative

Kelly Lovelock is an award winning, multi-skilled creative with over 18 years’ experience. Initially a professional surfer from Raglan, Lovelock moved into advertising after his creative talents were noticed by one of his sponsors – surf brand Volcom. From there Lovelock’s advertising career took off as his work was noticed and he worked his way through some of the top agencies in Australia and New Zealand, including Publicis Mojo (Sydney) and FCB (Auckland) earning numerous accolades along the way. For the last four years Lovelock has been working as a creative consultant for a raft of NZ owned companies while working out of Wanaka and embracing life in the mountain town. Kelly has recently taken up the position of Executive Creative Director at Plato Creative to significantly boost their creative fire-power and take their integrated thinking to another level.

Thanks to our Design Assembly Partners BookPrint, mychillybin, Portfolio, Rocketspark and Streamtime. Event artwork by Lindsay Yee and Abhi Topiwala

Not in Auckland? Check out our Auckland and Wellington Spring Conversations.
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