Actor Cliff Curtis. PHOTO/FILE
A Hollywood star, a rugby league legend, the 2014 New Zealander of the Year and the first Maori to land a job at NASA will be among those speaking at an inspiring Maori business event in Rotorua this month.
Callaghan Innovation's second Maori Inspire Event Matariki X on June 11
brings together 15 entrepreneurial speakers, including Cliff Curtis, Tawera Nikau, Dr Lance O'Sullivan and NASA's Mana Vautier, to share their experiences of success, failure and the importance of innovation with more than 300 participants from around the country.
Callaghan Innovation's general manager Maori Economy, Hemi Rolleston said Matariki X would facilitate collaboration.
"By bringing together a group of very successful Maori in their respective fields we're fostering the cross pollination of ideas while building connections between the leaders and future leaders of the Maori economy".
The theme, 'Innovation, Inspiration and Overcoming Failure' will run throughout the day-long event.
Speakers are Cliff Curtis, Robett Hollis, Rangimarie Hunia, Bailey Mackey , Wetini Mitai-Ngatai, Takurua (Tak) Mutu, Tawera Nikau, Dr Lance O'Sullivan, Steve Saunders, Dr Anna Rolleston, Heather Skipworth, Miriana Stephens, Ian Taylor, Mana Vautier and Jason Witehira.
