Tauranga
13 Nov
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Future Voices: Leading Change
Speakers Forum
Buy Your Tickets Here!
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, November 13th, 2025
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: The Cargo Shed, Tauranga Waterfront
Tickets: $10
Presented by: Envirohub BOP & Tauranga City Council
Registration:
Spaces are limited — secure your spot before we sell out!
Enquiries:
Email: hannah@envirohub.org.nz
Description:
Climate action comes from all corners of our community, and this evening celebrates the voices leading the way. Seven emerging changemakers will share their journeys and the meaningful work they are leading across the Bay of Plenty, from community projects to environmental initiatives, demonstrating creativity, dedication, and real impact.
The evening will start with drinks and nibbles before the speakers take the stage, offering insights into the projects and ideas shaping the region’s climate action. This is a chance to be inspired, connect with passionate changemakers, and discover ways to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Speakers of the Night:
This kōrero draws from my master’s research within Whakapiki Tūhono ki te Whenua, exploring how reconnecting to whenua strengthens our capacity for climate action. Grounded in kaupapa Māori values, the research highlights how whānau-led practices that restore te taiao and mauri create pathways toward resilience and regeneration. This kaupapa reminds us that true transformation begins in our relationship with Papatūānuku. By reconnecting to whenua first, we take responsibility for restoring our relationships to te taiao while ensuring our actions today sustain life for the generations to come
I’ll be sharing a rangatahi Māori perspective on climate action through the values of kaitiakitanga, manaakitanga, and rangatiratanga. I’ll explore how mentorship, intergenerational connection, and storytelling can bridge generations, honour all forms of mātauranga, and inspire collective responsibility for our taiao. For me, it’s about what it truly means to be kaitiaki today so that our future generations can thrive.
Marine biosecurity is about protecting our oceans from invasive marine pests that can harm native species, fisheries, aquaculture, and the way we enjoy our coasts. Our work spans from dive surveillance and early detection to advocacy and collaboration with local communities and industry — all aimed at preventing pests from spreading. That’s what’s happening out on the water and behind the scenes, but what can you do? Everyone can help protect our marine environments and take real climate action to keep our coasts thriving.
Exploring the technical field of environmental engineering and how the integration of Te Ao Māori can enhance environmental outcomes and climate action.
Te Aorangi will explore the impacts that climate change has had on whenua Māori throughout Aotearoa focusing on the significant environmental degradation. These impacts include erosion of urupā and shorelines, sea level rise, flooding of marae, slash-damaged shores, and damage to infrastructure.
The presentation will speak to the importance of collaboration between iwi, hapū, and the public and private sectors. This issue is not limited to one area of expertise but requires contribution from all. It is important that young leaders utilise their knowledge, passion, and motivation to foster ideas into solutions. Effects of climate change seen globally, with devastation felt by flash flood in Asia, sinking islands within the Pacific and threats from increasing heat. As emerging professionals working within sectors that are built on the foundation of kaitiakitanga, it is crucial we are implementing sustainable practices to ensure all our mokopuna enjoy the same parks, beaches, fields, tracks, marae and urupa that we do today.
Māori conceptual frameworks such as whakataukī passed down through generations remain deeply relevant in addressing the global climate crisis. In Aotearoa, indigenous tikanga has led the way in revitalising our reo and in the ongoing struggle to protect and retain our remaining whenua. These are not just cultural expressions they are foundational to our identity and our relationship with the environment. This connection is reflected every time we recite our pepeha, grounding ourselves in the land, waters, and tipuna that shape who we are.
Location
Climate Action Festival