The 2025 Hillary Innovation Summit has concluded!
Outcomes from the Summit and videos of the keynotes will be coming soon …
The Hillary Institute & Edmund Hillary Fellowship hosted the 2025 Hillary Innovation Summit on 17-18 February 2025 at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
The 2025 Summit brought together up to 300 local and international leaders in person over two days to explore how we can collectively build Aotearoa NZ as a basecamp for a better world and where we can lead globally.
It convened Hillary Laureates, Edmund Hillary Fellows, iwi and Māori organisations, local and global investors, entrepreneurs, system designers, and public and private sector leaders.
At the Summit, participants:
• Gained insights from global leaders who have made markets, redesigned systems and influenced the world for good
• Explored what’s coming in the ‘Future of …’ forums, and opportunities for NZ to lead
• Collaborated on how we can build Aotearoa NZ’s innovation ecosystem together
• Identified pathways to action including in climate and planetary health
Sponsors
Summit Images
Images from the 2025 Hillary Innovation Summit, captured by Erica Austin of Peanut Productions Photography.
If using any of these photographs, please include the following credit: 2025 Hillary Innovation Summit - Erica Austin, Peanut Productions Photography.
2025 Summit Programme
The two-day Summit programme featured world-leading international keynotes, innovative panel discussions, EHF Transformative Venture demos, networking, collaboration opportunities and more. With te ao Māori, wellbeing and creativity interwoven throughout, participants had the chance to engage in 15 breakout sessions to deep dive into emerging opportunities and collaborative pathways for action, focusing on the Summit’s key themes:
8.00am |
Registration Opens |
9.00am |
Pōwhiri Ngāti Pāoa |
9.30am |
Tea and Coffee |
10.00am |
MC Welcome Mikaere Paki and Melissa Chan-Green |
10.10am |
Hillary Institute and EHF Welcome Rosalie Nelson |
10.20am |
Hillary Family Address |
10.30am |
Opening International Keynote: Life at the Climate Frontline - Pathways for Action in the South Pacific His Excellency provides firsthand insight into the experience of Pacific countries facing climate devastation, amidst geopolitical change. Gain insight into:
His Excellency Anote Tong, 2012 Hillary Laureate; Former President,The Republic of Kiribati; Chair, The Pacific Elder's Voice (PEV) |
11.00am |
Morning Break - Say hello to someone new! |
11.20am |
Aotearoa NZ Keynote: How Does NZ Move Forward - Thinking Long-Term Discover why a shift from short-term, transactional decision-making to long-term, strategic thinking is vital for Aotearoa NZ’s innovation future. Gain a deeper understanding of:
Sir Peter Gluckman, President, International Science Council; Distinguished University Professor, University of Auckland |
11.50am |
Panel Discussion: Accelerating Aotearoa NZ’s Innovation Economy Aotearoa NZ has a thriving startup ecosystem - but faces unique challenges in scaling. Globally we rank as an emerging ecosystem (#20) by StartUp Genome. With a startup density half that of global peers, NZ startups work with materially less money, take longer to raise capital than offshore peers, and scaling for global growth remains a challenge. This panel of innovation leaders will explore:
Marcel van den Assum, Chair, Sprout Agritech; Investor and Independent Director Robyn Kamira, Founder & Principal, Paua Interface Sam Blackman, Co-Founder, Nuvocargo Moderator:Anna Kominik, Chair, Hillary Institute & Edmund Hillary Fellowship |
12.30pm |
Lunch Break - Explore the natural surrounds of Waipuna |
1.30pm
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Transforming How We Move: New Horizons in Sustainable Mobility From autonomous vehicles and electric aircraft to revolutions in supply chain, logistics and space tourism, the future of mobility is being boldly reimagined - and it will change everything, everywhere, all at once.
Adam Grosser, EHF Fellow; Chairman & Managing Partner, UP.Partners
Case Study: How Mobility, Connectivity and AI are Driving the Future of Travel Michael Tchao, EHF Fellow; VP Product Marketing, Apple |
2.30pm |
Take a moment and make your way to your first breakout session |
2.45pm |
Future Of |
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The Future Of: Travel How will new technologies and emerging innovations transform travel in the future? What role will Aotearoa play in this transformation? Join two US and 2 NZ panelists to explore the connection opportunities between NZ and the US. Panelists: Adam Grosser, EHF Fellow; Chairman & Managing Partner, UP.Partners Nikhil Ravishankar, Chief Digital Officer, Air New Zealand David Stout, CEO and Co-Founder, WebAI Darrin Grafton, CEO, Serko Moderator: Michael Tchao, EHF Fellow; VP Product Marketing, Apple |
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Innovation Economy |
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Founder First: How We Connect and Support Innovation Leaders Being a founder from New Zealand can be tough. As a US mentor it can be as tough helping. Linda, through her LevelUp programme, has worked with 75 Kiwi entrepreneurs to figure out the formula. Join Linda as she explains her 'mentoring' experiment and join in a discussion about what works for founders and what it takes to be an effective mentor in the New Zealand founder ecosystem. Linda Jenkinson, Founder, Chair & CEO, LevelUp |
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Planetary Action |
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Case Study: Catalysing Ocean-Based Ventures for the Pacific Dive deep into a case study of how a blended finance model has catalysed new ocean-based ventures in Aotearoa NZ - and explore how it might be applied as a new model for Pacific climate innovation. Nigel Bradly, Founder & CEO, Envirostrat |
3.30pm |
Afternoon Break - Extend your discussion over a cuppa or enjoy a pause in nature |
4.00pm |
Future Of |
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The Future Of: Space Ranked fourth in the world for rocket launches and a leader of innovation in solar-powered unmanned aircraft, Aotearoa NZ’s space industry was estimated to be worth $1.69B in 2019, and is on track to be doubled. Join NZ and global space innovators to explore how NZ can be put on the map as a sustainable space leader. Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom, EHF Fellow; Co-Founder & CEO, SpaceBase Eric Dahlstrom, EHF Fellow; Co-Founder & CTO, SpaceBase Michael Sims, EHF Fellow; CEO & Founder, Ceres Robotics Max Arshavsky, CEO & Founder, Zenno Astronautics Mark Rocket, CEO, Kea Aerospace |
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Innovation Economy |
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Part 1: Challenging Status Quo Approaches to Innovation in Aotearoa NZ Explore how to leverage Aotearoa NZ’s inherent strengths and overcome barriers to accelerate innovation, focusing on Auckland's emerging tech landscape. Join a candid panel of experts who will challenge status quo strategies, and share what has worked, what hasn’t, and why. This is Part 1 of two breakout sessions facilitated by EHF Fellows, Mark Bregman and Laina Greene, focused on finding workable solutions that Summit participants can work on together. Panelists: Mat Rowe, Founding Partner, Outset Ventures Sean Simpson, Founder, Lanzatech Peter Crabtree, Former Head, NZ Space Agency Will Charles, Investment Director, Auckland UniServices Pam Ford, Director Economic Development, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited |
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Planetary Action |
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‘I Am The River, The River Is Me’ - Unlocking the Power of Rights of Nature We need a value shift in how we relate to nature: from thinking about nature as an asset to be owned and exploited, to recognising we are nature - there is no division - and we must steward and guard it. View before the Summit the powerful documentary by EHF Fellows Corinne van Egeraat & Petr Lom: ‘I am the River, the River is Me’: then be part of a kōrero about how we can collaborate for impact, led by the Māori leaders and activists who helped catalyse this global movement. Tamahau Te Rau, Whanganui, Taranaki Whanui, Ngāti Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa, Nga Wairiki, Ngāti Apa Ned Tapa, Whanganui River Guardian |
4.45pm |
Make your way to the Theatre for the quickfire EHF Fellow demo! |
4.50pm |
Quickfire EHF Transformative Venture Demos: Round One From climate action to transformational technologies, EHF Fellows are creating tangible impact all across the globe - revolutionising industries, redesigning systems and generating meaningful change for people and the planet. Get a glimpse into some EHF Fellow ventures in these 5min Quickfire Transformative Venture Demos. |
5.20pm |
Summit Day One Wrap-Up |
5.30pm |
Summit Day One End |
5.30pm - 6.30pm |
Connection Hour - Day One: Connect and Celebrate Wrap up Day One with an informal yet impactful Connection Hour! Grab a drink, mingle, and explore who’s in the room - everyone here is eager to collaborate and create change. Whether you’re discussing innovative projects or passions, or finding common areas of impact, this is your chance to spark connections that go beyond the surface. If something sparks your curiosity, jot down your details on our Impact Group board, and let’s set the stage for Day Two’s deeper dive into meaningful collaboration. |
7.00pm - 9.00pm |
Summit Day One Dinner (Add-On Ticket) Summit participants who would like to stay on for a special buffet dinner are welcome to purchase an add-on Summit Day One Dinner ticket. This will be at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, and is an opportunity to share a meal, deepen connections, and enjoy an evening together. |
8.00am |
Arrival Tea and Coffee |
9.00am |
Summit Day Two Welcome |
9.15am |
Quickfire EHF Transformative Venture Demos: Round 2 Start day two of the Summit with a second round of 5min Quickfire Transformative Venture Demos by EHF Fellows who are creating impact all across the globe - making meaningful change for people and the planet. |
9.45am |
International Keynote: Building a Resilient World - Unlocking the Power of Nature, Community and Small Business Human wellbeing depends upon earth's natural systems for our food, fuel, clean water, and protection from weather extremes - yet our current economic system does not effectively value nature and focuses on governments and large institutions to drive change. What is often overlooked is that those disproportionately affected by climate impacts - communities, indigenous peoples, small business - also hold the keys to build resilience and lead climate solutions. Get a truly global perspective on how we can collaborate for change, including:
Aimée Christensen, CEO, Christensen Global; Founder, Sun Valley Forum |
10.15am |
International Keynote: Regenerative Finance and New Models of Social Impact Traditional finance has been criticised as being extractive and destructive. However change is occurring as new models of regenerative finance and investment emerge that benefit society and the planet. In this session, discover what the future can look like, addressing:
Geoff Davis, Chair, Social Capital Markets (SOCAP); Senior Advisor and Former CEO, Sorenson Impact Institute |
10.45am |
Morning Break |
11.15am |
Future Of |
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The Future Of: Generative AI and Healthcare Explore how AI is shaping the future of healthcare by integrating a range of data sources like medical images, EHRs, and genomics to enhance decision-making. Look at live examples of how AI-driven models can improve patient outcomes through personalised care, predictive insights, and real-time, comprehensive patient profiles. Gain a deeper understanding of AI’s potential to revolutionise healthcare, offering more accurate diagnostics and tailored treatments for the future. Xincheng Zhang, EHF Fellow; Co-Founder & CTO, QTC Care |
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Innovation Economy |
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Māori Innovation Principles Can we create ventures that orient around long term success, impact and longevity? Explore principles and practices used by indigenous enterprises to reflect their indigenity, spirituality and the laws of nature; strategies that help build inter-generational success; and tangible examples that can be applied into our ventures. Shay has spent two decades learning from indigenous and business leaders, and through Te Whare Hukahuka, has trained thousands of Māori organisation leaders and emerging leaders in governance, strategy and enterprise. Shay Wright, EHF Fellow; Co-Founder, Te Whare Hukahuka |
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Planetary Action |
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Shaping Aotearoa NZ’s Energy Future: Innovation, Challenges, and Opportunities Aotearoa NZ’s energy future relies on bold innovation to reduce emissions and build a resilient, equitable, low-carbon system. Join Ara Ake for an interactive session with Cetogenix, OpenStar, Bspkl, Basis, Aotea, New Zealand Institute for Minerals to Materials Research and University of Canterbury, as they highlight their energy solutions. Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of energy innovation, and help Ara Ake innovators develop their solutions. Cristiano Marantes, Chief Executive, Ara Ake Michelle Polglase, GM Projects Delivery, Ara Ake |
12.00pm |
Switch Rooms |
12.15pm |
Future Of |
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The Future Of: Education How can we create an education system that embraces global change while being grounded in indigenous knowledge and collective wellbeing? How can we design a system for people, planet and prosperity? Learn from inspiring EHF Fellows leading real-world innovations - from a 21st-century Māori learning village in Ōtautahi Christchurch to the Young Animators programme and Global Contributive Learning. Together, let’s reimagine education to empower learners, disrupt inequities, and build a thriving future for all. Joanne McEachen, EHF Fellow; Founder, The Learner First Nikora Ngaropo, EHF Fellow; Founder, NNMD Rangimarie Parata Takurua, EHF Fellow; Founder, Te Pā o Rākaihautū |
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Innovation Economy |
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Part 2: Seeking Solutions To Accelerate and Increase the Impact of NZ Innovation Dive into the challenges identified in Part 1 of this 2 part session, and develop specific plans of action, roles and commitments in making the solutions happen. Mark Bregman, EHF Fellow; General Partner, Quidnet Ventures (provocateur) Laina Greene, EHF Fellow; CEO & Founder, Angels of Impact (rapporteur) Maile Giffin, Growth Programme Specialist, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Daniela McKenzie, Chief Strategist, Ternary Kinetics |
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Planetary Action |
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Regenerative and Catalytic Finance Models Explore with two global leaders how regenerative and catalytic financing can help unlock funding for clean energy, climate adaptation and social innovation, using case studies. What is the opportunity for Aotearoa NZ? Geoff Davis, Chair, Social Capital Markets (SOCAP) Aimée Christensen, CEO, Christensen Global Strategies |
1.00pm |
Lunch Break - Enjoy some kai with others |
2.00pm |
Future Of |
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The Future Of: AI AI continues to develop at an accelerated pace, and the impact of this emergent technology across various industries is significant. In this session, explore a broad range of AI topics including: data sovereignty; the impact of AI competition between China and the US and what this means to us in Aotearoa; AI ethics and indigenous rights; AI innovation, possibilities, and what to watch for. Kaye-Maree Dunn, EHF Fellow; Director, Making Everything Achievable and ĀhauLane Rettig, EHF Fellow; Head of Research, NEAR Foundation |
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Innovation Economy |
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East Meets Best: Strengthening the NZ Innovation Economy through P2P Partnerships with Asia Success in Asia is not just about what you know - it’s about who you know. At the Asia New Zealand Foundation, we break down barriers, share knowledge, and most importantly, connect people for real, long-term impact. Join us for an Asia-style networking session with authentic snacks, drinks, and real talk from those who navigate business in the region. Make connections that matter and gain insights from trailblazers who have built lasting partnerships across Asia. The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau TūhonoAmarit Charoenphan, EHF Fellow; CEO, Aim Ventures |
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Planetary Action |
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Partnering for Impact: Building Public-Private Collaborations for Climate Resilience Strong partnerships across public and private sector, tangata whenua and communities are essential to address climate imperatives in our cities and regions. Explore examples of impactful local collaboration, lessons learned, and pathways to building strong partnerships for greater climate resilience. Parin Rafiei-Thompson, Head of Climate Innovation & Sustainability, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Sarah Anderson, Programme Director, Climate Connect Aotearoa and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited |
2.45pm |
Make your way back to the Theatre |
3.00pm |
Summit Wrap-Up: What Was Heard and Next Steps |
3.30pm |
Connection Hour and Afternoon Tea Time to zero in on the connections you've made! Choose the Impact Group that resonates most with you, head to its dedicated space, and share in a 2-minute spotlight session. No prep needed - just bring your energy, ideas, and any projects you’re working on. It’s all about finding synergy, sharing bold asks and offers, and forming the partnerships that will drive real, lasting impact. This is your launchpad to collaborate, innovate, and make the world a better place, together. |
4.30pm |
Summit Close |
Summit Hosts
Ngāti Apa, Ngā Wairiki, Tuwharetoa, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Paoa, Kai Tahu, Tumatakōkiri, Irish & Welsh
Mikaere Paki is an inspiring facilitator and leader who has welcomed over 250 EHF Fellows into Aotearoa NZ at our Welcome Experiences. He is celebrated for his ability to create connections between people, emphasising the importance of celebrating who we are before what we do. Many Fellows say their view of the world has been transformed by the way in which Mikaere has introduced them to the te ao Māori worldview, with grace, generosity and insight.
Weaving tikanga Māori into all aspects of his work and championing the normalisation of Te Reo me ōna Tikanga across Aotearoa NZ, Mikaere has over 20 years of leadership experience in the education sector, specialising in Māori strategy design, development, implementation, and engagement.
Mikaere Paki - Senior Executive
Melissa Chan-Green - Journalist and Media Presenter
Melissa Chan-Green is an award-winning journalist with two decades of experience in broadcasting across New Zealand, the UK, and Europe. She was most recently the co-host of TV3’s AM Show. Over the course of her career, Melissa has reported from some of the world’s most pivotal historical moments, including the Arab Spring uprisings and the landmark Paris Agreement negotiations. Melissa is especially interested in the intersection of media, technology, and the future of storytelling, and is currently working on a project with the education sector.
International Keynote Speakers
His Excellency Anote Tong - 2012 Hillary Laureate
Life at the Climate Frontline - Pathways for Action in the South Pacific
Former President of the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency Anote Tong is a decorated climate advocate, current Chair of the Pacific Elders Voice (PEV) group and a former Board Member and Distinguished Fellow of Conservation International. He has been awarded the SunHak Peace Prize and has been twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. He is the 2012 Hillary Laureate and currently holds the Peter Benchley Ocean Award, as well as others, for his work on climate change and ocean conservation. Anote is a leading voice on the impact of climate in the South Pacific. Anote will speak to the lived experience of Pacific countries facing climate devastation, analyse geopolitical trends and the power of global cooperation across indigenous and western cultures.
Transforming How We Move: New Horizons in Sustainable Mobility
Adam is a recognised global leader in startup and sustainable mobility investment. He is currently Chairman and Managing Partner of UP Partners, which invests in pioneering entrepreneurs and technologies that help move people and goods cleaner, faster, safer, and at lower cost. In 2021, UP Partners closed a $230 million early stage VC fund dedicated to enabling technologies for sustainable mobility, such as electric aviation, autonomous transportation, advanced robotics and aerospace. Adam also hosts the UP Summit which brings together the world’s most innovative minds to rethink the future of transportation.
Adam Grosser - Edmund Hillary Fellow
Aimée Christensen - 2011 Hillary Laureate
Building a Resilient World - Unlocking the Power of Nature, Community and Small Business
Aimée has over three decades of experience in climate change and sustainability strategy and as CEO of Christensen Global Strategies, she works at the intersection of global policy, investment, industry and innovation to to build an equitable, secure, and restorative world. She has served as a policymaker at The White House and U.S. Department of Energy, practiced as a climate and clean energy lawyer at the World Bank and Baker & McKenzie, and drove Google’s first climate initiatives as Climate Maven at Google.org. She negotiated the first U.S. bilateral and regional climate agreements (U.S.-Costa Rica, et. al., 1994-1997), drafted the first-ever university endowment climate investment policy (Stanford University, 1999), and served as Senior Adviser to the UN Secretary General’s High-level Group on Sustainable Energy For All (2012). She founded the Sun Valley Institute for Resilience and Sun Valley Forum and graduated from Smith College and Stanford Law School.
Geoff Davis - Chair, Social Capital Markets (SOCAP) & Former CEO Sorenson Impact Institute
Regenerative Finance and New Models of Social Impact
Geoff is a multi-time founder/CEO and impact investor using entrepreneurship and investment to help people and the planet. His organisations have invested in more than 200 high-impact companies globally, lent more than $3.5 billion to over 14 million small businesses worldwide, and helped over 12 million families work their way out of poverty. As Senior Advisor, and former CEO, of Sorenson Impact Institute, part of the Sorenson Impact Group, Geoff advises families, entrepreneurs and organisations on creative use of capital. He chairs SOCAP, sits on MIT’s Solve fund investment committee, and is Senior Advisor at Cicero Group. Previously, he co-founded Cicero Impact Capital, was CEO of Unitus, a microfinance pioneer, and led the Perpetual Education Fund, enabling the creation of 50,000 small businesses in 100 countries.
Sir Peter Gluckman - President of the International Science Council
How does New Zealand Move Forward: Thinking Long-Term
Sir Peter is an internationally renowned science leader, currently serving as the President of the International Science Council and Distinguished University Professor at the University of Auckland, where he leads Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures. Last year Sir Peter was appointed by the Government to lead a review on strengthening Aotearoa NZ's science, innovation and technology system, including challenges, aspirations and opportunities for growth. He was Aotearoa NZ’s first Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister (2009-2018), and the Foundation Chair of the International Network of Government Science Advice (2014-2021). Sir Peter has made many significant contributions to science policy and science diplomacy globally. He is the recipient of numerous prestigious honours, including the Rutherford Medal, the Singapore Presidential Science and Technology Medal, and the American Association for Advancement of Sciences Science Diplomacy Award.