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).

University of Auckland Engineering building
20 Symonds Street
Auckland, Auckland, 1010
New Zealand

Emma Woodward

Director of Psychological Services at The Child Psychology Service and the Clinical Director of NZIWR

Dr Emma Woodward is a leading expert in trauma-informed practice and child development. A respected and sought-after trainer and facilitator, she is also a frequent media commentator on topics to do with child and adolescent development and trauma-informed principals. Her passion lies in understanding how we can use our knowledge of human behaviour to create a future fit for human flourishing for generations to come.

Joel Rindelaub

Analytical chemist and researcher

Dr Joel Rindelaub is an analytical chemist specialising in air quality research. His love for tiny particles floating in the air has pushed his face towards the forefront of Covid-19 messaging regarding aerosol transmission. Tagged as the “new face of Covid” by the New Zealand Herald, Joel has used a mix of comedy, writing, and rapping skills to push scientific literacy across the New Zealand media scene.

Justin Sung

Co-founder, Head of Learning at iCanStudy

Dr Justin Sung is a former medical doctor, research author, and certified teacher turned learning-coach. Over the last 10 years, he has taught his research-based, highly practical techniques to over 10,000 students and professionals from 120 countries. He is the co-founder of iCanStudy and is passionate about giving people the skills to take control of their learning to achieve better results with less stress.

Loredana Podolska-Kint

Poet

Loredana Podolska-Kint writes a poetry blog and has self-published two books, a nature poetry anthology called “Reflections”, and a children’s medical poetry book called “What Are You Made Of?” She believes all children need poetry and has been a guest on Starship’s Radio Lollipop for Children In Hospital. She is also an avid Bird of the Year campaign manager, student club executive, and flautist. She is studying for a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Auckland.

Maria Jose Alvarez

Investment Manager of WNT Ventures

Maria Jose is an experienced deep tech investor and operator passionate about supporting entrepreneurs through investment, commercialisation, and growth. As a deep tech founder turned investor, MJ sits at the intersection of both worlds. She works with early-stage science and engineering founders as the Investment Manager of WNT Ventures, a technology incubator and Venture Capital fund. Additionally, Maria Jose is dedicated to increasing diversity among founders and funders. Her impact on this field credited her as an NZ Woman of Influence 2021 finalist in the Diversity category. MJ is an independent Committee member in several organisations focused on science and technology ventures in Chile and NZ.

Marianne Leigh

Musician, songwriter

Writing since age 10, Leigh has released two EPs available on all streaming platforms and performed sold-out shows on her NZ tour. She has taken her music internationally, featuring in several UK magazines and ranking in the Top 50 tracks on Australian radio.

Michael Heard

Social activist

Michael is a fifth-year Psychology and Commerce student at the University of Auckland. However, that isn’t necessarily how he likes to describe himself. A self-proclaimed change-maker, he strives to make a positive impact on the world. He works in the community space, currently working on a range of projects focused on mental health and youth development that serve this positive purpose.