Watch previous speaker sessions

Insights and stories from previous speakers at Festival for the Future

The people who speak at the Festival are dreaming big, and pushing boundaries to make a difference for our future. They challenge us, inspire us, and help us see the world through different perspectives. Below is a collection of some of the talks from Festival for the Future in previous years.

Festured talks from 2021

Sam is the CEO of Simplicity – a social enterprise KiwiSaver Scheme with $3 billion in funds under management, which gives 15% of all fees to charity.

An award-winning journalist, Miriama is the presenter for TVNZ’s flagship current affairs programmes Sunday, and Marae, the bilingual Maori/English show.

Co-founder of the Conversion Therapy Action Group, Shaneel has been at the forefront of leading the campaign for a ban on conversion therapy.

Accountant turned entrepreneur, Kendall founded Banqer, an EdTech company that has improved the financial literacy for more than 150,000 Kiwi kids.

Growing up with a disability Brylee has learnt how to channel her inner warrior, climb mountains, and break through barriers to achieve her goals.

David is a father who survived terminal cancer. He’s also a business leader, ex-comedian, board director, and the CEO of New Zealand Story.

Māori Futures – a spotlight on leadership and innovation, and aspirations for the future. Panel discussion led by Kaye-Maree Dunne, featuring Ani-Oriwia Adds, Ezra Hirawani, Cherokee Walters, and Glenis Philip-Barbara.

Climate solutions – leading the charge to zero emissions and a more resilient future. Panel discussion led by Alison Anitawaru Cole, featuring Oliver Bruce, Sophie Handford, Mary Moeono-Kolio and Nicki Sutherland.

From growing up without electricity to becoming a successful technology entrepreneur, Sir Ian Taylor’s company has revolutionised live animation for sport.

As CEO of The NEXT Foundation, Bill’s job is to spend $100 million on environmental and educational projects that will benefit future generations.

Georgia is the 14-year-old CEO of the world’s largest poi company, founded on the principles of connecting to kaupapa, inclusivity and sustainability.

Brianne is the CEO & Founder of Ethique – one of the world’s most sustainable beauty brands. Brianne is on a mission to rid the world of plastic waste.

How a focus on diversity and inclusion is critical for our most vulnerable communities. Panel discussion led by Mary Haddock-Staniland, featuring Anjum Rahman, Ziena Jalil, Julia Arnott-Neenee, and Talei Bryant.

Priyanca is New Zealand’s Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Minister for Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities, and Minister for Youth.

Mental health activist, film director and author, Jazz is using her lived experience and powerful storytelling to reach millions of people around the world.

Anjum co-founded the Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono and was a founding member of the Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand.

Behrouz is a Kurdish-Iranian journalist and human rights defender who exposed the inhumane offshore detention conditions on Manus Island.

NextGen Business for Impact – re-defining success for the new economy. Panel discussion led by Louise Aitken, featuring John Scully, Samantha Jones, Pat MacFie, and Tesh Randall.

Sam is St. Lawrence Island Siberian Yupik & Kenaitze Indian from Alaska. He experienced firsthand how climate change impacts native Arctic communities. He’s advocating for climate awareness on local & state level.

Kate is the Head of the UNDP Regional Innovation Centre, a sustainable innovation initiative based in Bangkok working to answer the question of how to solve the most pressing development needs of our time.

Juan is the co-founder & CEO of Sociolab and Disruptivo. Sociolab generates innovative solutions to problems like poverty & inequality in Latin America. Disruptivo is an education platform for social entrepreneurship.