Proudly brought to you by Holland Beckett and YoubeYou – Aotearoa.
Voices Unplugged: Conversations in Diversity
Featuring the incredible
National advocates
Siouxsie Wiles
Michael Barnett
Nanaia Mahuta
ShaneelLal
Maretha Smit
Helen Jacobi
Local Champions
Buddy Mikaere
Bevan Rakoia
Leesa Speed
Jan Tinetti
Amanda Lowry
Karen Summerhays
Join us for a fun and educational three-part speaker series exploring how diverse, equitable, and inclusive societies boost social advantage and economic growth.
Inspired by the 'Graham Norton' chat show style, these events feature engaging conversations with guests sharing their journeys in embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Enjoy heartwarming stories, entertaining chats, and live music from talented diversity-focused musicians.
September 11
Presented by Drag Queen Co-Co Flash
(Creator of Rainbow Storytime NZ)
and featuring
Siouxsie Wiles (Microbiologist & Science Communicator)
Aliya Danzeisen (National Head. The Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand)
Bevan Rakoia (Chairperson Pacific Island Community Trust)
Leesa Speed (Partner, Holland Beckett)
October 16
Presented by Drag Queen Co-Co Flash
(Creator of Rainbow Storytime NZ)
and featuring
Helen Jacobi
(Fmr Vicar of St. Matthew-in-the-City in Auckland)
Maretha Smit
(CE. Diversity Works)
Michael Barnett
(Fmr Director NZ Chamber of Commerce)
Buddy Mikaere
(Historian, author & Fmr Treaty of Waitangi Tribunal Director)
Jan Tinetti
(MP and Fmr Minister for Women & Minister for Internal Affairs)
November 13
Presnted by Drag Queen Co-Co Flash
(Creator of Rainbow Storytime NZ)
and featuring
Shaneel Lal
(advocate for LGBTQAI+ & trans rights)
Nanaia Mahuta
(author & Fmr Minister of Foreign Affairs)
Amanda Lowry
(advocate for disability sector & LGBTQAI+ community supporter)
Karen Summerhays
(Social entrepreneur & DEI advisor to Whakatane District Council)
Background
Global studies show that effective diversity and inclusion strategies boost productivity and well-being. By valuing team members beyond their skills and fostering inclusive ecosystems, organisations enjoy lower turnover, higher innovation, better decisions, and great employee engagement.
Don't miss this chance to be inspired and make a difference!
Our collaboration partners:
• Multicultural Tauranga
• Priority One
• The University of Waikato
• SociaLink Tauranga Moana Tuhono Papori
• Diversity Works
YoubeYou – Aotearoa.
Formed in 2022, YoubeYou promotes celebrating all ethnicities, cultures, and identities for a progressive society.
We curate systems that centre all communities, aiming for a fair, just, andempowering future.
Special thanks to our naming rights sponsor Holland BeckettLawyers and to our second-tier sponsor Zespri for their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.