TEDxAuckland

Overview

In what initially began as a technology, entertainment and design conference in 1984, TED has grown exponentially, hijacked the Internet, and become a go-to source for inspirational, motivational messages. The global community aims to bring together people of all disciplines, cultures and tongues who share the common goal of deeper understanding and universal improvement. Following the same goal are the TEDx events, a set of independently run shows that help to spread ideas and share information over the globe, including Auckland city for the third year is a row. TEDxAuckland is taking over Aotea Centre this August 16th with the theme: Ascending. A focus on both individuals and society as an entity rising to a higher level of consciousness and finding the silver lining in the darkest of times. It concentrates on using even the slightest glimpses of positivity as a platform to build upon in order to better the planet, and the people who inhabit it.

This year, more than 16 speakers will grace the Aotea stage with their talented presence, and along with a number of musical acts and an after party, this year’s TEDx is shaping up to be the best yet. Amongst the inspirational talent come Urzila Carlson, who you may remember from the Comedy Festival earlier this year. She is an esteemed comedian with an impressive line-up of awards and medals to her name, and is sure to kick the event off with a few giggles. Matt Stone, the Australian head chef of Stanley St. Merchants, and regular star of MasterChef Australia will also be sharing some wisdom, and talking about his all-recycled eatery Greenhouse, which has become famous amongst Sydney’s foodie scene. Perhaps most impressively though, is Muskan Devta, the fourteen year old girl born with partial hemiplegia. Her right side is weaker than her left, and she has been set in a brace for 13 of her 14 years. But the talented kid is a radio hosting, column writing, author of two books, including her autobiographical recount ‘I Dream’ which she wrote to raise funds for Starship Hospital. Tears? Yes. But you’ll leave feeling like you can take on the world.