TEDxUoA 2024: Into The Unknown

TEDxUoA 2024 presents our annual TEDx event at the University of Auckland on the theme: INTO THE UNKNOWN.

Join us as we step beyond the familiar and embrace the exciting possibilities of the unknown. At this year's TEDxUoA event, we’ll explore new ideas and perspectives that challenge our thinking. Facing the unknown often means encountering uncertainty and stepping out of our comfort zones. Together, we’ll learn how exploring these new frontiers can inspire creativity, drive change, and broaden our understanding of what’s possible. Be part of this journey as we uncover the limitless opportunities that lie ahead and discover how embracing the unknown can lead to meaningful growth and innovation.

Join us at TEDxUoA 2024 for a full day of inspirational and motivational speakers, including professionals and student speakers from a vast array of fields.

Invite your friends and grab your tickets now! Lunch and sponsored goodie bags are provided!

Door opens at 10.30 am and the event will start at 11 am on the 28th of September (estimated finishing time is 3pm). 

100% of all profits generated from this event will be used for covering the operating costs and supporting local businesses doing good for their communities.

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Shan Iyer

Shan, a speaker at TEDx UoA 2024, is an insightful voice on the future of society. Born in India and migrating to New Zealand at the age of four, Shan brings a unique perspective shaped by diverse cultural experiences. With a BA in Creative Writing from AUT, Shan is a self-published author, social scientist, poet, aspiring novelist, and musician, who is passionate about reimagining the socio-political and economic systems that shape our world. Shan's talk will explore the potential of postmodern society, advocating for critical self-awareness and global cooperation. The goal is to inspire others to envision and work towards a future that breaks free from the limitations of the past. In addition to academic and creative pursuits, Shan enjoys writing genre fiction, including Arabian Science Fantasy and dystopian Science Fiction. Shan also creates content for a YouTube channel, sharing ideas and creativity with a broader audience.

Matthew Prance

Matthew Prance, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Auckland, is carving out a niche in Aotearoa’s aerospace sector. With a strong foundation in engineering principles and hands-on experience in Free-Space Optical Communications research, Matt is deeply committed to advancing sustainable practices in space. His work in this cutting-edge field has given him a unique perspective on the urgent problem of space debris. In his talk, Matt will delve into the growing issue of space debris, exploring its potential to disrupt everything from satellite communications to global security. He will highlight the critical need for innovative solutions and responsible stewardship of outer space, emphasizing how this challenge could impact us all in ways we might not yet fully realize. Through his insights, Matt aims to inspire a new generation of engineers and thinkers to take action for a sustainable future in space.

Hannah Koumakis

Hannah Koumakis is a storyteller and entrepreneur who loves sharing her life experiences and practical tips with the world. She's also the creative force behind Dear The Series, a series of guided journals that help people explore themselves through thoughtful prompts. Hannah's entrepreneurial spirit doesn't stop there—she's also founded Dear Community, a nonprofit organization that is designed to bring women together across New Zealand, Dear Brides, New Zealand’s first wedding content creation service, and Seven Content Studio, a digital marketing agency. Hannah is also an actor, with a dream to work on TV productions and film sets. Despite juggling multiple things, Hannah loves being surrounded by friends, journaling, writing and being with her family. 

Daniel Kilmister

Daniel Kilmister is part of the commercial team at Zeil and a former student at the University of Auckland. He will discuss the non-linear paths to career success, emphasizing key principles to manifest when navigating jobs that don't exist yet and exploring an uncertain job marketplace. Alongside this, Daniel will delve into key career trends derived from research, expanding on "how to make educated guesses about what’s shaping the future of work." His talk will ultimately provide a robust framework for tackling job search and career growth, a critical phase for many.

Henika

Henika is a Tāmaki Makaurau-based music producer who creates unique music with native Aotearoa birdsong, featuring the Tui on beats, Kakapo on bass, Kokako on harmony, and Korimako on melodic hooks, all blended with her lush vocals and theremin. In her TED talk, Henika will share her creative journey and the conservation message behind her work, emphasizing the urgent need to protect our native manu. She will talk about her time spent recording on predator-free sanctuaries like Tiritiri Matangi and the crucial role of volunteers in conservation. By merging nature's melodies with her artistry, Henika celebrates the beauty of New Zealand's birds while highlighting their plight. She will perform songs from her album "Strange Creatures," showcasing music that bridges art and environmental activism, aiming to inspire a deeper connection to the natural world and a commitment to preserving Aotearoa's rich biodiversity.

For any other dietary requirements, questions or queries, please contact us at tedxuoa@gmail.com

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 Humanitix donates 100% of profits from booking fees to education for disadvantaged kids! For our conference, we have chosen to support the cause 'A Better Start for disadvantaged Māori and Pasifika students.'

New Zealand’s education gap is one of the largest in the world and Māori and Pasifika students face many unique challenges that have made education gaps difficult to close. Māori and Pasifika students are less likely to leave the education system with a qualification and more likely to leave school with a qualification below NCEA level 1. This project supports New Zealand learners and families who find it difficult to access or afford local, global and digital citizenship to close the gap.