Event description
When you strip away the noise around AI, what’s left is possibility — and people using it for good. This is our chance to hear how a Papamoa local is blending human insight with technology to create a lasting impact for our community.

Join us as Ray Everest shares how he’s combining decades of education experience with AI to tackle real-world challenges. As co-founder of Auro, an AI-powered early intervention tool, Ray is helping frontline teams reduce pressure, create large-scale value, and deliver better outcomes for the people they serve. His story shows what’s possible when innovation is driven by care for community.

What to Expect
This isn’t just a talk, it’s a fresh perspective on how AI can be a genuine partner in human-centred work. We’re shaking up the conversation on tech and impact.

It’s part story, part insight, part challenge to think differently.
You won’t just hear about AI. You’ll see how a local is helping to lead the way in using it for positive change.

About Ray Everest
Ray Everest is a husband, dad, teacher, and lifelong Warriors fan who has spent more than 20 years in education. He’s the co-founder of Future Focus Early Learning and the creator of Auro, an AI tool designed to work alongside frontline teams to improve lives and reduce pressure on those delivering support.

Deeply curious and committed to adding value, Ray is passionate about creating tools that make a tangible difference for people and communities, starting right here in Papamoa.

About LinkedIn Local Tauranga

2.5 years ago, Leeann Bassett (Face Up Now) and Alana Swain (Your Business Club) joined forces to bring something different, something more inclusive, something more connective to Tauranga - all the warmth and engaging constructive conversation that we love LinkedIn for, with the warmth of in person connection.

This has quickly become the favourite networking event in town, where WHO you are matters more than WHAT you do.

Tickets will book out, so get yours quickly.

We're excited to meet you - new and familiar folk are all warmly welcome to our LinkedIn local Tauranga community.