From a waste-free restaurant to The Super Power Baby Project, TEDx Auckland proved to be another inspiring showcase of New Zealand stories, talents and innovation. A group of Year 11 and 12 students were fortunate to hear 20 speakers and performers over the course of the day.

Year 11 student, Emma Westbrooke commented that she ‘left with a sense of motivation knowing how much these speakers had achieved and realising I could achieve similar success in my life if I put my mind to it.’

‘Ascending’ was the theme of TEDx this year, with all speakers showcasing positive change to improve our lives, our community and our planet. Whether it was Mike Allsop’s extraordinary tales of adventure, Catherine Bell’s ‘Garden to Table Trust’ or John Boone’s interactive percussion performance, every speaker had something inspiring, though provoking or light hearted to share.

Comedian, Urzila Carlson was a hit with the crowd. Year 12 IB student, Byron Lam commented that she was not only captivating but shared a simple and profound message that every audience member could relate to, that ‘the greatest waste of time is regret’.

Other highlights were Rebecca Mills, a sustainability strategist who has worked with the likes of Richard Branson; Riley Elliot’s talk on debunking myths about sharks and the power of new media to spread scientific ideas; and Vaughan Rowsell, CEO and Founder of Auckland company Vend. Emma Westbrooke said, ‘He left us with the challenge of fulfilling the one thing we've always wished we could do and overcome our 'impossible' goal.’

The Year 12 IB students left with a range of topics that can now be utilsed in their Theory of Knowledge extended essays.

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