General Manager Callaghan Innovation Hēmi Rolleston says: “This is an amazing opportunity to bring Stanford University to New Zealand and boldly explore the massive opportunity that innovation can bring to the Māori Economy and the wider New Zealand Economy. We are using the Mixing Bowl Model, putting all the right ingredients in the room, creating the right environment and with some of the best facilitators and we are confident that we have the makings of something special here."

Professors Baba Shiv and Hayagreeva Rao from Stanford Management School and Anne Gibbon from Stanford D School will lead the programme, and Jon Bridges with David Downs (Authors of No. 8 Re-Wired, 202 New Zealand Inventions That Changed the World) will share MC duties.

The program, includes Ministers Joyce and Flavell, Callaghan Innovation’s Chief Executive, Dr. Mary Quin, as well as Ian Taylor from Animation Research Limited, Jason Witehira (Owner Victoria Park New World), Steve Saunders (Gro Plus, Newnham Park Innovation Center), Wayne Mulligan (Anagenix/Biogenix/ New Zealand Bioactives ltd/HoneyLab), Tiaki Hunia (Deputy Māori Trustee). Eric Rush (Owner/Operator Kaikohe New World/All Black) will be the guest dinner speaker.

Participants will be introduced to the Innovative Gym concept and explore a range of questions including:

• What are the potential risks and opportunities for the Māori economy?
• How do we define the 22nd Century Māori Entrepreneur and Growth Economy?
• What might that brand architecture look like and how might we shape it?
• How do Māori make the most of, innovation R&D and technology?

The invitation-only event, on 12-13 May in Auckland, will be using the Callaghan Innovation Show Gizmo App, real time technology that will help participants connect and access key information during and after the event.

Callaghan Innovation is New Zealand’s business innovation agency. It helps businesses succeed through technology. Callaghan Innovation created the Inspire Event because it is keen to increase Māori businesses’ ambition to grow, and support Māori business leaders to pursue disruptive innovation and entrepreneurship.