Matariki XPonential 2017 will bring Maori entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders to Rotorua for a day of presentations and networking.
Hosted by Callaghan Innovation the conference on Saturday will showcase some of New Zealand's best-known innovators and entrepreneurs including Cliff Curtis of Whenua Films, Ian Taylor of Animation Research and Rachel Taulelei of Kono NZ.
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Matariki XPonential provides opportunities to meet other like-minded Maori entrepreneurs, learn from one another, build connections, and offers practical pathways to help achieve business innovation success.
When Tupaea Rolleston finished high school six years ago he started his own business Tarnix Security.
"I was a kid that thought he knew better than everyone else, so I thought I'd fork out on my own and just give it a go," he said.
Through his cousin Mr Rolleston heard about the Matariki XPonential conference and he went along to one in Auckland a couple of years ago.
"It's not every day you get these opportunities," he said.
"There's a lot of successful people attending and it's always great to hear other people's stories, how they achieved their goals."
This year Mr Rolleston will give his own five-minute presentation on how Tarnix Security integrated security into its business.
"The day is an opportunity for great feedback, and advice and to hear other people's success stories," he said.
"If anyone is keen to be inspired it's the place to be."
Callaghan Innovation spokesman Vincent Campbell said he was looking forward to the weekend.
"A lot of people have put a lot of hard work into this one," he said.
"It's the one event of the year we can get people along, to motivate and inspire."
Mr Campbell said they were pretty close to their target of 500 attendees.
"Rotorua was very successful for us last year, it's quite central in the country and proved to be a winning formula for us," he said
"We're pretty close to 500 people registered at the moment and we're hoping in this next week we'll get a few more."
For more information or to register to attend the address visit http://www.callaghaninnovation.govt.nz/
What: Matariki Xponential 2017
When: Saturday July, 29. 8.30-5pm
Where: Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre
Cost: $150 + GST per person, Rangatahi $100 + GST per person, Dinner Ticket $69 + GST per person
Confirmed speakers include:
Frances Valintine - Winner of the Flying Kiwi Award and Hi-Tech Hall of Fame inductee.
Mavis Mullins - Entrepreneur, trustee, director, mentor and NZ Business Hall of Fame inductee.
Cliff Curtis - Actor and co-owner of the independent New Zealand production company Whenua Films.
Blanche Murray - Managing Director of Kai Ora Honey Ltd.
Jason Witehira - Owner/Operator of Victoria Park New World Supermarket.
Rachel Taulelei - Chief executive of Kono NZ, one of New Zealand's top 100 food and beverage companies.
Ian Taylor - Chief executive of Animation Research Limited.
Grant Straker - Chief executive of the Straker Group.
Dr Lance O'Sullivan - Author, national and international speaker, disruptive leader and innovator.
Tane and Clare Bradley - AgriSea NZ
Jade Temepara - Kakano Cafe & Cookery School
Tupaea Rolleston - Tarnix Security
Miriana Lowrie - 1Centre