In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Centrestage Invercargill
92 Don Street
INVERCARGILL, South Island, 9810
New Zealand

Giahnnii Paraku

Giahnnii Paul Paraku,was born and raised in Southland Invercargill and is currently living in Christchurch studying Business Management, at the Ara Institute of Technology. Giahnnii has accumulated a wealth of experience in his young 22 years of life. These experiences, have developed him into the person he is today. The biggest realization to him, was about raising self-awareness. This key experience has been one of the most pivotal points of his life, which he believes could be valuable to people wanting to change their lives. Giahnnii is excited to be able to offer this rich experience with the community in which he grew up in, and of course, the world.

Janaya Duggan

Janaya Duggan describes herself as a failed paragliding student and former toastmaster based in Dunedin. Her mission in life, if you could call it that, is to kick herself in the behind as hard as she can and challenge herself to get over her fears by doing things that scare the bejeezus out of her Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t (see paragliding). But it did lead her to a love of public speaking so we know something good came out of it.

Michelle Templeton

The two legged curly haired mammal, otherwise known as Michelle Templeton, is known for her frequent migrations to East Africa. She will often give her presence away with her characteristic laugh and occasional snort, if she has found something particularly funny. Her 'Wild Ride to Health' business venture led her to the Hadza tribe of Tanzania, whose health is so much better than ours. When Michelle is not coaching, biking or enjoying family time, she can be often spotted drinking curious green drinks resembling whizzed up frogs.

Nic Russell

Nic Russell’s life changed forever when she and her three-year-old daughter Kenzie were diagnosed with aggressive cancers in the same year. Sadly Kenzie died, while surgery and chemotherapy put Nic on the road to recovery. Fifteen years on, life has thrown more challenges her way; repeat corrective surgery, cardiomyopathy and Parkinson’s. Through all the tragedy and tears, pain and loss has come lessons in how to defy adversity.

Qurat UlAin

Quratulain is Global Ambassador and Country Leader for Women Tech Network from Pakistan. She is the first Pakistani WikiStage Organizer and founder of a social learning community group called Tabassum Care Society Open Literacy Program.

Ursula Keay

Growing up in west Auckland, Ursula had a promising future after being a finalist for the Biggest, Baddest, Bucketlist competition, and winning a business scholarship. But in 2017 she hit rock bottom after finding herself jobless, homeless, and pregnant. She turned hardship into growth and by using an analogy of an Italian dessert she speaks from personal experience to describe the three elements she believes are needed to overcome depression. In this moving talk, Ursula wants to use her voice to help others leave depression in the past once and for all.