My new condition... #tedxcitis

I have a reasonably significant new condition... #tedxcitis... and, be warned, it is very contagious!  I just can't stop thinking about, reflecting on and talking about TEDX.

Many, many years ago I started watching Tedtalks.  Of the hundreds I have watched over the years, each and every one has taken me on a journey, challenged me, and caused me to reflect and think again.  

Way back in 2010 I had the privilege of recording an edtalk with Claire Buist, thanks to the wonderful Jane Nicholls.  Since then I have been able to share my story and I really do believe it is MAGICAL to have your story captured.  I know that much of my journey might have disappeared had it not been for this capturing and I am grateful for the opportunity.  

Back in 2012 I had the incredible experience of attending my first TEDX event, TEDXDunedin.  I was in awe.  The crowd, the talks, the ideas, the connecting... the entire experience filled me with wonder and awe.  

Then in 2014 I attended #TEDXChristchurch, a day of intense emotion, learning, challenge, story telling, reflecting and connecting.  

In April 2015 I was privileged to get tickets for #TEDXQueenstown and I feasted on another incredible day.

On Saturday I attended #TEDXChch and my heart, mind and soul were blown wide open.  I experienced intense emotions from joy, to sorrow, to grief, to fear, to wonder, respect, and absolute awe! The power of the story was evident from sun up til sun down.  Each and every story touched me in some way and I just cannot stop talking about it.  To be fair, I think my family are a little relieved I am flying away today. Flying away to share my tedx wonderings with new, eager listeners I am hoping to find.  I have talked them out.  From VW fuel emissions, to stories from the inside, to tourettes, ants, cancer treatments and power, imagination and character.

So, would you believe this coincidence? Left in the magazine pocket on my seat of the plane is a copy of the 'the economist', a magazine which I have never, or probably would never read.  Well, the cover photo and article are 'dirty secrets of the car industry' - the story of the VW lies, which connects and causes me to reflect on the second TEDXchch talk.  Eric Frangenheim talks of being RAS alerted, and I am so mindful of this.  Had I not attended TEDX I would not have given the cover a second glance, and would not have read the article.  I am richer from the experience and opportunity to reflect on this significant issue.  How can we keep destroying the beautiful world we live in?  Why do we lie and cheat?  How can companies live with lies?  Is it always wrong to lie?  What will become of VW?  What questions will need to be asked? 

So a word of warning to those at Ulearn... I am going to talk about TEDX!  I am going to continue to reflect and discuss.  I am going to tell a slightly different story at the start of my presentation... I am going to tell more of my story... It is in the story that the true MAGIC is woven....

And, two more serendipitous moments of MAGIC to add to this post... Flying with me was Professor Richie Poulton, speaker at TedXDunedin 2012.  So of course, I took a moment to chat and grab a photo.

Professor Richie Poulton is Director of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit which conducts the Dunedin longitudinal study, one of the most detailed studies of human health and development ever undertaken. A multidisciplinary, longitudinal study of 1,037 babies born in Dunedin during 1972/73, the Study members have been followed up since birth, at age three, then every two years to age 15, and at ages 18, 21, 26, and 32. The latest assessment phase, at age 38, commenced in 2010 and was completed in March 2012, and was an outstanding success with 96% of the surviving Study members being assessed. 

Then later this afternoon, on the waterfront in Auckland with Vicki, we viewed the National Geographic Photographer of the year exhibition.  And there before my eyes was the clip by Mark Gee, from TedXchch 2014.  

WOW - what co-incidence.  The stories are everywhere... all around us!

...and thanks to Vicki for tolerating my #tedxitis....

#tedxchch ... beginning to reflect...

Where and how do you begin to reflect on the day?

Inexorably changed as a result of today... I do believe that all of us who are part of the 1200+ family that is #tedxchch today, are forever touched and changed. We cannot experience the emotions of today and awake tomorrow unchanged. From laughter, to tears, fear, grief, empathy, tension, awe, wonder and love, I've experienced it all alongside you all today... 

Today was my fourth TedX and without a doubt it was the most emotive, powerful journey. The power of the human story today captured us and held us spell bound. 

What will I take from this day forward?

If only I had the wit and humour and brain of Michele A'Court, I could entertain and inform you in style. Apologies, but I will do the best I can to share the impact of each and ever speaker on me!

Te Pao A Tahu - thinking again about Culture and Heritage

The power of the opening mihi fro Te Pao A Tahu touched me. I was bursting with pride to see our very own Gemma on stage. I was absolutely gobsmacked how much of the korero I could understand. Increasingly I am picking up words and grasping messages in the spoken reo. For this I am incredibly grateful to Gemma. 

Michele A'Court - thinking again about our voices

Female comedian of the decade - WOW. Do we reach a point when we stop saying what we really believe? I think this is something I have held onto. I say what I really believe. I think this is the neoteny in me, I have indeed retained the attributes of childhood into my adult life in many ways. The meaning of life is connection. Find a community and share your voice. Making what you want to say count! 

Ian Wright - thinking again about jet-powered garbage trucks

Wow, doing things differently, making a difference... exciting times ahead when we think again and make things better. Clean transportation as a viable option in the future... near future?

Rod Oram - thinking again about explorers

Greed, selfishness and apathy - we need a cultural and spiritual transformation. Never forget to take time to ask the questions you have. NEVER! Always ask the question! The question must be heard! Be mindful that we are asking the right questions. How can we live well on this planet? We are heading for ecological disaster, and we MUST take action to avoid the disaster we are rapidly heading towards? Poisoning our ecosystem MUST stop!

Slavko Martinov - a special moment in the day... best in show chicken mocumentary!

Bridget Frame -thinking again about resources, efficiencies, and the impact of philanthropy

How and where is the funding coming from for grants, and at what cost to communities. Could there be a collaborative opportunity to allow for greater benefits?

Robyn and Analise Twemlow - thinking again about Tourette's as a disability

WOW what an incredible story. Realising that Analise doesn't have a problem with tourettes, others do! What a rare and beautiful privilege to hear the story of a mum and her stunning daughter - a story that touches us all. Sooo much change to make a difference for sufferers of tourettes' syndrome. 

Dr Swee Tan - thinking again about the origin of cancer

A new way of looking at cancer - you just had to be here for this.... too moving to blog about.. watch it when it is online! Total awe and respect for this most humble genius of a man... The message I take from this is keeping asking questions, all the questions, dig deeper, look further... 

Jason Kerrison

WOW - what a stunning privilege to see and hear the talent that is Jason. Sharing his works in progress... WOW! Stunning lyrics!!!

Carolina Izzo - thinking again about the importance of teamwork

WOW - the story of the restoration of the theatre royal - and particularly of the dome. The story of team, and perseverance and innovation and the dawning of the importance of the America's Cup for the carbon fibre lining to attach the restored canvas. WOW hearing your story was so powerful Carolina.

The Sintes Brothers - thinking again about tap dancing

WOW - talk about breaking down the stereotypical image of tap dancers. Stunningly entertaining... talented and fun!

Max Suckling - thinking again about the power of pheromones

Teehee - my takeaway from this is keep wearing individual perfumes... teehee. Just as one man can identify his wife while blindfolded by his wife's perfume... so a moth identifies his mate... by introduces the same smell everywhere the moths are confused and don't mate... Why oh why are we still using pesticides? HOPE for a pesticide free future on the near horizon....

Craig Jarvis - thinking again about buildings that add life

Biophillia - our connection with nature - our love of life! Biophillia - my favourite new word of the day... and a word that gives power to the feeling I have in my new office in the tree tops. Our ability to sustain life... physically, mentally, socially, spiritually and emotionally. What is happening to the human being who occupies the space... are we connecting with life and nature, or removing? Craig Jarvis, we need you to have a voice in the building of schools!

Eric Liu - thinking again about power and civic imagination

An American that spoke with the heart of Canterbury, and understanding of the re-build and the MAGIC of gapfillers. Eric introduced a clever phrase "Techtonic shifts", changes all of what we understand and knew... Three elements of citizenship - Power, imagination and character... at the core of what we do and why we do it! WOW!

Matt Vickers - thinking again about the choices we have and how we die 

This talk challenges us in so many ways. Assisted dying... infringement of human rights? Lecretia's story! A story so powerful... told so powerfully. 

Finnian Galbraith - thinking again about the pronunciation of native languages 

There is no 'pakeha' way of pronouncing Māori words. Phew so privileged to be learning with you Gemma! Learning the language, kapa haka learning, valuing the learning of the language. Culture is irreplaceable. 

Julian Arahanga & Ladi6 - thinking again about the courage to sing from the heart

Agh - the most powerful story as finale! Hearing of the MAGIC of the story that is 'songs from the inside'. Touched so much by the strength of the message that all we need is someone to believe in you. The power of the mentoring is so precious in this story. The MAGIC of seeing Tama come on stage, in his words, from cage to stage, a beautiful moment indeed. Valuing and embracing the stories that NEED to be heard, and NEED to be understood... We all make mistakes... change the life of someone... We are all challenged to change the life of someone... This is indeed, a most powerful call to action!

Indeed we have feasted on a fine bounty of stories from the heart of the teller, direct to our hearts and souls.

I am a different person tonight, a richer person, a better person, for hearing the stories of others, for being a part of a community that gathers together for good!

I have walked in the mocassins of many today... a privilege indeed...

I go to bed weary, exhausted, in awe, overwhelmed, emotional and RICH... rich in so many ways.

Aroha, gratitude to you all! 

Finnian Galbraith #TEDXChristchurch

15-year-old Finnian Galbraith shot to fame in July when he posted a YouTube video of a speech he prepared for school. Within days, the video had been viewed hundreds of thousands of times, and reported on by outlets as far-flung as The Guardian and the BBC. He lives in Paekakariki, Kapiti, where he is a Year 11 student at Kapiti College.

Youtube Video

Story telling... 

Pronunciation matters.... 

There is no 'pakeha' way of pronouncing Māori words.  Phew so privileged to be learning with you Gemma!

Learning the language, kapa haka learning, valuing the learning of the language.  

Culture is irreplaceable.

Matt Vickers #TEDXChristchurch

In 2011, Lecretia Seales was diagnosed with a brain tumour – and in 2015, in the final stages of her life and with her husband Matt Vickers by her side, she went to the High Court seeking the choice to receive assistance to die from her GP. Today, her now widower Matt continues to campaign for consensual physician-assisted dying for terminally ill patients, carrying, as he says, “a responsibility to ensure that Lecretia’s personal sacrifice wasn't for nothing.”

This talk will challenge us in so many ways...

Assisted dying... infringement of human rights?

Lecretia's story! 

Agh... what a story... 

#tedxchch MAGIC

A meaningful bag is just one more sign of the MAGIC of #tedx

The bag we have today is made by women freed from human trafficking...

All goods in our bags must be:

• Locally sourced
• Ethically produced
• Inspiring
• Community involved brand

Everything about this day is MAGIC!!!

Stepping outside ourself, putting ourselves in the shoes of others.. seeing life from another perspective...

Eric Liu #TEDXChristchurch

Eric Liu is the founder of Citizen University, directs the Aspen Institute’s Citizenship & American Identity Program, and was recently appointed by President Obama to the Board of the Corporation for National and Community Service. His books include the national bestsellers The Gardens of Democracy and The True Patriot, both co-authored with Nick Hanauer. He also served as a White House speechwriter for President Bill Clinton and later as the President's deputy domestic policy adviser.

Twitter: @ericpliu

Present at the creation... Dean Acheson

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Acheson

REimagining what a city can be out of disaster...

"Techtonic shifts".... teehee... changes all of what we understand and knew...

Everyone has a voice... social media and social justice, learning from one another in real time.

Present at the creation of a new age...

Three elements of citizenship
Power, imagination and character... at the core of what we do and why we do it!

Power - the capacity to ensure others do what you would have them do... We have an obligation to be literate in power... to understand - power is not a zero sum game... one does not have to lose when one gains... Power is a positive sum entity.  Power and voice and agency we all have, the more strong, adaptive and powerful we all become... at the edges, all.  Inclusion wins!!! Power must be claimed... it is not simply granted.  We must become fluent in elements of power... to organise, lobby, to bypass broken systems and ensure the voice of all is heard!  We must flex our claim, our power... Claiming power...

Imagination - the capacity to conceive of what is not!  Imagination needs to be cultivated.  The power of imagination in civic life... new ways of seeing one another and seeing the world we re in... Institutionalisation of empathy - WOW - the job of all of us!  Awareness of exponential consequences of actions.  Seeing others as we see ourselves... to see all of us as 'a body'.

Character - civic character in the collective.  Pro social contributor.  We must intentionally cultivate.  To be mindful of cultivating character. NZ focus on reciprocity, connecting...  Being citizen is about being responsible.  

Culture - how we all embrace, cling to, live our culture - how we can set of pro-culture behaviour... Each one of us is a node in the network... 

See a gap - fill it!  Christchurch gapfillers - in awe of all the gaps you fill to make life better for us all....

Christchurch has the blueprint for re-creating a better society!  WOW - Christchurch stands for every town... 

We do not need ruin and devastation to imagine new ways of relating... WOW - this speech has lifted the roof on the theatre... 

To live as if we were present at the CREATION of a new world because we are.... 




                                                         

Craig Jarvis #TEDXChristchurch

Craig Jarvis is an architectural designer with a passion for simplicity and sustainability. He worked in London on heritage-listed buildings in his early career, and spent 13 years in Melbourne running his own commercial building, project management, and architectural design firm. In 2004, Craig moved to Christchurch and bought a piece of bare land by the beach. He has spent the past five years in a 13sqm off-grid tiny house with his two young children.

Where do we start with living in a sustainable home?

Off grid?  Smaller? 

Why the hell are we still using CCA in New Zealand... This concerns me, alarms me, scares the shit out of me... New Zealand... why are we killing ourselves... Stop looking at a problem in isolation and look at a complete picture...

Healthy building need to be a basic for us!

The toxic ingredients in our buildings are alarming.  Why are we diminishing and destroying our connection with nature with our buildings?  Energy efficiency should not be our sole focus. 

Energy efficiency is NOT sustainability!

The catalyst - wake up - method, materials and motivation... the catalyst is out connection!

Biophillia - our connection with nature - our love of life! Our ability to sustain life... physically, mentally, socially, spiritually and emotionally.  What is happening to the human being who occupies the space... are we connecting with life and nature, or removing?

Nature deficit disorder... the last child in the woods... 

"our children spend more time building tree-houses on ipads than in trees"  We need to encourage them to interact with nature....

Connection with all of life..

The MAGIC is what we see and feel when we connect with nature.  It changes our quality of life... 

Google - relationship between employees and connection with nature... outstanding results...

Patient recovery with a window compared to those without.... significant positive effects... 

Get outside... get in amongst nature...

Include biophillia in the building of our homes, our schools, our hospitals...

Work with the laws of nature - not against them....

Using materials that are 'right and safe' for us to live in...

Design for the quality of life!!!!

We need to nurture our love of nature, our love of life... it is critical to our wellbeing... it needs to be acknowledged, protected and nurtured...

Dream - one day that all homes will feed us, inspire us, heal us, and fill us with wonder and awe and mystery...
                                                                                
Homes that embrace a love of life....

Max Suckling #TEDXChristchurch

Professor Max Suckling leads the biosecurity research group at Plant & Food Research and is a Professor at the University of Auckland. He studies a very wide range of pest and beneficial insects, with a strong chemical ecology focus. They use electrophysiology and behavioural tools to resolve questions about the chemistry of natural signalling products, including insect attractants. The group have been recognised with a range of awards, including New Zealand Innovators (2013) for work on commercialising moth sex pheromones.

Let's talk about the ants... Beware the 'crazy' ants - they'll destroy your electronics...

Also, beware the pesticides..

Pesticide resistant moths... 

Just as one man can identify his wife while blindfolded by his wife's perfume... so a moth identifies his mate... by introduces the same smell everywhere the moths are confused and don't mate...

Pheromones... introducing a smell into the environment.. like introducing the same perfume into a room... none of the males can find their mate... no sex in the orchard... no reproduction...

The success with the moths, transferred to ant problems.. 

The power of pheromone... ants can't get home without a trail... order to chaos in the ant world... Trail following reduces by 90%.

Why oh why are we still using pesticides? HOPE for a pesticide free future on the near horizon....

The Sintes Brothers #TEDXChristchurch

What do you think of when you think about tap dancing? These two proudly Kiwi brothers want you to think again! Raised in North Canterbury, Daniel and Matthew Sintes have tap-stepped their way across the globe with a strong focus on bringing this historical art form back to the forefront of entertainment, with their unique style, innovative choreography and modern concepts.

WOWSER

How amazing was that... Mathew and Daniel... WOW

Carolina Izzo #TEDXChristchurch

Carolina Izzo is an Auckland-based conservator originally from Italy; her first projects after receiving her diploma in 1981 were in the earthquake-ravaged area of South Italy. In New Zealand, after six years at Te Papa Tongarewa, she spent two years leading a team of conservators in the conservation and restoration of the heritage items at the Isaac Theatre Royal in post-earthquake Christchurch.

What a privilege to be in this venue!  

Build in 1908 - this magnificent artwork restored and saved!!! MAGIC - it represents the promise of MAGIC to come...

The story of the restoration of the dome... 11 tonnes... WOW
Restoration of the dome, the marble staircase in the foyer and the front facade...

Today's story is about the dome!

Wooden frame, 85 square metre of canvas attached to plaster. Extensive damage... from light and heat.

The canvas was removed... Rear of canvas damaged.  Locals invited to come and clear the back of the canvas... announced on facebook... and two months spent cleaning the rear of the cavases. 

Carbon fibre idea from America Cup boats... to create an exact backing for the canvas.  Boat builders, art conservators and scientists worked together to test and create.  

Carbon fibre linings created... cured in a very large oven, three times in the oven, to heat the adhesive. All efforts must be reversible in case we come up with a better method of restoration.  

Putting it all back together, a challenge indeed.  Relief when they all fitted together perfectly.  

The dome was relifted into place. True beauty of artwork revealed in entirety. 

The joy is in the reaction of all people who enter and see it all in the restored beauty!

#TEDXYouth@AvonRiver

WOW an incredible initiative!  TedX for youth in Christchurch!

December 6 - TEdxYouth... woohoo

https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/16678 

Jason Kerrison #TEDXChristchurch

Jason Kerrison (JK) is a multi-platinum, multi-award winning singer-songwriter, producer, meditator, planetarian and wannabe surfer. His band OPSHOP garnered 9 Platinum albums, 9 NZ Music Awards and the prestigious APRA Silver Scroll Award for Song of the Year. JK also formed eclectic hip-hop group The Babysitters Circus. In 2011, JK was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for Services to Music. JK has now released his first solo EP, ‘#JKEP1’.

Playing six unfinished songs.. what a rare and beautiful privilege for us... 

Crowd funding this on the horizon...  #JKEP2

What a privilege to be here and see and hear such a talented artist... WOW!!!!

Dr Swee T Tan ONZM MBBS PhD FRACS #TEDXChristchurch

Dr Tan is the founder and executive director of the Gillies McIndoe Research Institute, and a consultant plastic & cranio-maxillofacial surgeon at Hutt Hospital in Wellington. Originally from Malaysia, he has studied at Melbourne University, Oxford, Boston’s Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School. He is an elected member of 13 national and international professional and scientific societies, the author of over 120 publications in peer-reviewed journals, and the recipient of 24 science prizes and 20 honours and awards.

A new way of looking at Cancer - you just had to be here for this.... too moving to blog about.. watch it when it is online!  Total awe and respect for this most humble genius of a man... 

Robyn and Analise Twemlow #TEDXChristchurch

When Analise Twemlow was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome in 2013, her mother Robyn sprang into action, forming the Tourette’s Association New Zealand – of which she is now executive director – and Camp Twitch, a national gathering for Kiwis with Tourette’s. 11-year-old Analise is also a powerful advocate for the rights of people with Tourette’s, speaking at a Grand Round Lecture at Christchurch Public Hospital and appearing on multiple TV programmes.

Hopes and dreams of parents for your child!  We all have them!  

The feelings that comes from challenge, and criticism!  Hearing from your child at the age of 7 that she wants to die.. heartbreaking! An ADHD diagnosis at age of 7 - medication, no real improvement. Then finally the tourette's syndrome diagnosis... IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE SWEARING....

Agh visible, audible pain... of sharing the story of a daughter suffering...

And now we get to meet Analise...  WOW

Hearing from Analise that she doesn't have the problem... other people have the problem... 

The complexity of tourettes, OCD, ADHD... soooo hard for us to understand... and feel... 

We are here, with the absolute privilege of being in Analise's world...

Analise doesn't have a problem with tourettes... others do...

What needs to change in NZ so Analise can be recognised as she needs to be?

This might just be THE MOST POWERFUL story we will be a part of!  What can we change?  What must we change? 

The humour in this most poignant story, raw, beautiful, powerful, MAGICAL story!!!

Standing ovation......................

Bridget Frame #TEDXChristchurch

Bridget Frame has almost twenty years experience in corporates, two years with a post-earthquake not-for-profit and two years as a grant maker; she is an active community member through three children. Now, through her own consultancy, she is doing a bunch of interesting things with great people.

Thinking about Grantmaking - does it make a difference to our community?  Where does the money come from, where does it go and how?  

$65 million in grants in Canterbury in 2014... how does this scale across NZ?  

What is this gaming funding doing to our community? 

Bridget is really making us think about the money, how it gets to where it is needed...

Efficiency and effectiveness of grants - we need to consider both. Could there be collaborative processes that could cut down on the administrative costs?

Can the ecosystem be salvaged?  No blame here, but our ecosystem of grantmaking is not working.  There are so many unintended consequences.  

Slavko Martinov Film Maker #TEDXChristchurch

oooh a special guest...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhQP7Z25fBE 

Hot on the trail of making a mocumentary...

'best in show' with chickens... but its real... called 'pecking order'...

http://www.peckingordermovie.com/ 

MAGIC!!!

Rod Oram #TEDXChristchurch

Rod Oram has 40 years’ experience as an international business journalist, having worked for various publications in Europe and North America, including the Financial Times of London. He is a columnist for the Sunday Star-Times; a regular broadcaster on radio and television; and a frequent public speaker on business, economics, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, in both NZ and global contexts. In 2007 he published a book on the New Zealand economy, Reinventing Paradise.

Meeting our explorers firstly through our childhood stories and our imaginations.  Journeys teaching us to live well within nature! Moving from conquering nature to living within nature.  

We all must be part of the journey.  Learn from explorers of the past.  Keep the memories and keep telling the stories.  

WOW Rod has us captured, spell bound with his story of Scott Base!  

To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Exploration is nothing without a challenge.

How can we live well on this planet?  We are heading for ecological disaster.  What MUST we do to avoid the disaster we are rapidly heading towards?  Poisoning our ecosystem MUST stop!

Biodiversity loss! The SMOG of our world.... the lie of VW... 11m noxious cars...

What is in the mind and hearts that allows for the destroying of our world...

With every species that dies... we are compromising the ecosystem... we are unsnipping a thread that holds us together... 

Where is the hope?  Returning to nature, borrow from nature, cradle to cradle framework!

Biomimicry - an urgent need to explore this further...

A dream of biodegradable, infinitely recyclable, solar-powered aircraft!  Made from flax?

Tuhoe's Te Uru Taumatua - first living building!  Totally NZ!

Living with nature!

Greed, selfishness and apathy - we need a cultural and spiritual transformation.

Guides on our journey - Sir Edmund Hilary and  Kerno?

Never forget to take time to ask the questions you have.  NEVER! Always ask the question!  The question must be heard!

Now there are no more islands to be found... 

Ian Wright #TEDXChristchurch

As founder of Wrightspeed, cofounder of Tesla Motors and creator of the X1 – the fastest street legal electric vehicle in the world – Ian Wright has ushered in an era of electric transportation. At Wrightspeed, Ian has tripled the efficiency of delivery and service trucks, securing three patents and a number of early customers including FedEx. Now, Wrightspeed is expanding clean transportation opportunities across the country, penetrating the $5 billion North American market.

Wrightspeed

Wow, doing things differently, making a difference... exciting times ahead when we think again and make things better...

Michele A’Court #TEDXChristchurch

Winner of “Female Comedian of the Decade” at the 2010 NZ Comedy Guild Awards, Michele A’Court is a fulltime professional stand-up comedian and freelance writer. Her solo comedy show, “Stuff I Forgot To Tell My Daughter”, was a sold-out hit at the 2013 NZ International Comedy Festival and the 2014 World Buskers Festival. In 2015, the show became a bestselling book published by Harper Collins, debuting at number one on the Indie Top 20.

micheleacourt.com

The gifting of ideas here to us today!

What a privilege to be here for the gifting of stories… just as in the past we gathered around the campfire for the sharing of stories… today we gather around the stage to hear the stories…

Do we reach a point when we stop saying what we really believe.  The meaning of life is connection.  Find a community and share your voice. Making what you want to say count! 

WOW

Te Pao a Tahu #TEDXChristchurch

Formed in 2013, Te Pao a Tahu is a Christchurch-based kapa haka group, created out of a desire to retain Ngāi Tahu te reo (language), tikanga (practices), and kawa (customs), and to bring together descendants of Tahu Pōtiki. Although the group is pan-tribal, the majority of members have affiliations to Ngāi Tahu. After debuting at the Waitaha Senior Kapa Haka Regionals, Te Pao a Tahu qualified for the national competitions, Te Matatini, in 2015.

Woohoo - how exciting to have Gemma on stage to start us off for TEDXChristchurch...

Woohoo… Gemma’s kapahaka group welcomed us in style… with a challenge to think again…

What an incredible mihi to welcome us into the space… THINK AGAIN….