Hundreds attend TEDx event in Tauranga

University of Waikato student Sarah Thomson discussed the importance of people working together to address climate change.

Lessons from working in a war zone, floating islands to combat the impact of climate change and the art of simple writing were just a few of the topics canvassed at this year's TEDx event.

About 525 packed into the Holy Trinity Church on Devonport Rd on Saturday to listen to the perspectives of 11 speakers on a range of issues.

Organiser Phil Green said the aim was to create a relaxed, interactive atmosphere where people could share and discuss ideas.

"The whole thing is about ideas worth spreading ... no matter your background, profession or culture.

"That's the beauty of TEDx - it's all-inclusive."

Mr Green said he had been unaware of Tedx until four years ago. He decided to volunteer after becoming excited about the format and the exchange of ideas.

"It gets into your psyche," he said of the event.

While TED talks on every subject imaginable were available online, there was nothing like attending a live event with a room full of people wanting to hear new ideas, Mr Green said.

Holding the event at Holy Trinity Church instead of the ASB Arena helped foster a more interactive atmosphere, he said.

"The venue in downtown Tauranga proved to be a winner with a true all-enveloping theatre experience, a more relaxed atmosphere that included a village green that the audience embraced by sitting on the grass, conversing in groups, discussing all the unfolding experience that is a TEDxTauranga event."

TEDxTauranga licensee Sheldon Nesdale said the event had been a success.

"I think people are pretty shocked when we tell them that the whole thing is run by unpaid volunteers and that the speakers don't get paid either, " he said in a statement.