Building a basecamp for a better world begins at 2025 Hillary Innovation Summit
21 February 2025
“Inventing the future and sowing the seeds” was how Mikaere Paki as MC described the 2025 Hillary Innovation Summit in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this week. The Summit, hosted by the Hillary Institute and Edmund Hillary Fellowship, ran from 17-18 February and was attended by more than 250 local and international leaders, Hillary Laureates, EHF Fellows, investors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to explore how we collectively build Aotearoa NZ as a basecamp for a better world.
The Summit traversed some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Aotearoa NZ, from new technology that NZ could adapt and lead in space, mobility and healthcare, to emerging models of finance to level the playing field, to collaborative community-led approaches to tackle climate change. Emerging from the two days was a resounding call to action: to adopt intergenerational long-term thinking, prioritise education quality, invest in transformative solutions, focus on collaboration and cohesion, and honour indigenous wisdom. These emerged as some of the underpinning principles, which uniquely position Aotearoa to lead systemic change and shape a more resilient future, including supporting Kiwi innovators to scale globally*.
Day 1 - the Power of Connection
Left image: Ngāti Pāoa welcoming participants during the pōwhiri; Right image: Tamahau Te Rau responding on behalf of the Hillary Institute and EHF whānau and manuhiri (visitors)
Day one of the Summit opened with a powerful pōwhiri led by Ngāti Pāoa, grounding participants with manaakitanga (hospitality) and whanaungatanga (connection). Ngāti Pāoa shared the history and significance of the whenua in Waipuna and the surrounding area, and also acknowledged the mana and legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary. Responding on behalf of the Hillary Institute and EHF whānau and manuhiri (visitors) at the Summit, Tamahau Te Rau acknowledged Ngāti Pāoa as mana whenua and touched on the special connections to Taranaki and Whanganui.
Summit hosts, Mikaere Paki and Melissa Chan-Green, set the tone for the two days by inviting thought-provoking conversations, bold ideas, curiosity and deep collaboration.
Hillary Institute Founder and Kaitiaki Mark Prain, shared the genesis of the institute and Sir Edumnd Hillary’s desire to recognise exceptional, mid-career global leaders. Mark shared his deep admiration of the great adventurer and humanitarian as he introduced Sir Edmund Hillary’s son Peter Hillary and grandson Alex Hillary. They reflected on Sir Ed’s enduring legacy of service, exploration, and leadership that continues in the work of the Himalayan Trust. Their conversation reminded participants that the spirit of adventure isn’t just about reaching summits - it’s about the responsibility to uplift others along the way, embracing challenges with humility and purpose.
As the opening international keynote for the Summit, His Excellency Anote Tong, former President of Kiribati and 2012 Hillary Laureate, delivered a stark warning about the existential threat of climate change, urging the global community to move beyond politics and face the brutal reality ahead.
“Climate change has never been an environmental issue - it’s never been an economic issue - it’s an issue of survival.”
With courage and tenacity, Anote was the first international leader to raise the alarm bell of climate change at the UN General Assembly in 2004. ‘Cutting this path’ as he put it, then saw several other Pacific leaders speak up at the next General Assembly in 2005. During his keynote, he shared his journey of overcoming political inaction, advocating for his people, and pushing for innovative solutions in the face of rising seas. While awareness has grown, he warned that action remains dangerously inadequate and that we are “way short of the commitments in Paris”. He reminded us that climate change is not just a Pacific issue - it is a global crisis and “the greatest moral challenge of our time.” He urged leaders to move beyond political divisions and ego, instead focusing on the compensation needed to build the future of the next generations. His message was clear: the world must act now. “This is about the future, so we have to come up with a solution. Without urgent and collaborative action, we risk failing to protect those [descendants] who will come after us.”
Sir Peter Gluckman delivered a sobering provocation in his keynote, challenging Aotearoa NZ to confront its culture of short-termism. He warned that without a long-term strategic vision, the country risks losing its ability to build a resilient, cohesive society. Sir Peter emphasised how quality education is fundamental to national development and that emotional resilience will be a key skill for future generations. He argued that New Zealand’s tendency to focus on immediate concerns prevents the country from making the necessary investments in education and knowledge. He pointed to the dangers of this mindset, particularly in delaying action on economic transformation. He posed a critical question:
“Why do we continue with this conceptualism to believe that we can be rich if we don’t invest in education and if we don’t invest in knowledge generation? This is the heart of the challenge of NZ - that we can’t get beyond long-term thinking and realise that we have to make some decisions now that will benefit us into the future.”
His message was clear: If Aotearoa NZ wants to remain competitive, it must embrace intergenerational thinking, prioritising strategic investments that will shape the country’s future.
During the panel discussion ‘Accelerating Aotearoa NZ’s Innovation Economy’ facilitated by Anna Kominik (Chair, Hillary Institute and EHF), panelists Marcel van den Assum (Chair, Sprout Agritech; Investor and Independent Director), Robyn Kamira (Founder & Principal, Paua Interface) and Sam Blackman (Co-Founder, Nuvocargo) explored how Aotearoa NZ can overcome barriers to scaling its innovation system and strengthen its position as a global innovation leader. Their discussion included the need for strategic investment, stronger global connections, and a shift in mindset. Marcel emphasised the importance of smart capital and bold networking, stating, "Connectivity is fundamental. Make those connections, ask for something or offer something. We need to become a lot more confident and demanding when it comes to asking for something from the people we meet." Robyn called for investment in Māori businesses that take a ‘mokonomics’ approach - an economic philosophy blending the te reo Māori word ‘mokopuna’ (grandchildren) with economics, which prioritises intergenerational sustainability and asks, "What are we leaving our mokopuna?" rather than focusing solely on short-term gains. Sam stressed the need for more risk-takers and a stronger focus on critical and systems thinking in our education curriculum. The discussion reinforced that while NZ is a great place to build businesses, lowering barriers and increasing confidence are key to successfully scaling our innovation economy.
EHF Fellow Adam Grosser’s keynote explored the future of mobility and its impact on industries, economies, and societies. Adam examined how transportation - one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions - has remained largely stagnant for decades and why decarbonising mobility is among the toughest challenges faced today. Adam shared how UP.Partners was created in response to this challenge and to accelerate innovation in sustainable transportation. “The world didn’t need another investor or group trying to sell a vision. So we invented UP - a group that deploys capital, builds companies, and creates communities.” This integrated approach, he noted, is essential to driving real change in mobility.
Day 2 - Collaboration & Action
At the start of Day 2, Hon Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment and Associate Minister for Foreign Affairs, spoke about the Government’s focus on attracting Foreign Direct Investment into New Zealand and ensuring that Kiwi businesses are positioned for global success. He highlighted the need to support small businesses in scaling to medium-sized enterprises and helping medium-sized businesses expand onto the world stage. Minister McClay also emphasised the importance of making sure New Zealand businesses are investment-ready, enabling them to seize opportunities and drive long-term economic growth. To support Aotearoa NZ’s ability to do this, Minister McClay announced that following a discussion with investor Fellows that morning, an Innovation and Business Advisory Group would be established.
2011 Hillary Laureate and CEO Christensen Global Strategies, Aimée Christensen delivered a heartfelt and compelling keynote sharing her journey with nature - including how her educator Mother (who was present) had inspired her, and the role of nature in economic resilience. She outlined four key levers for change: transform energy, transform food, mobilise capital, and engage people. She emphasised that:
“Nature is a strategic investment imperative - for our stability - and for our economic opportunities.”
She stressed that protecting nature is not just about preserving ecosystems but about ensuring long-term resilience and prosperity, and acknowledged the centreing of nature through Māori wisdom. Looking ahead, she expressed optimism about New Zealand’s potential to become a model for the future - restoring its wild, diverse landscapes, pioneering nature-aligned food systems, and leading as a basecamp for sustainable innovation.
Left image: 2011 Hillary Laureate and CEO Christensen Global Strategies, Aimée Christensen ; Right image: Chair of Social Capital Markets, Geoff Davis
Chair of Social Capital Markets, Geoff Davis’ keynote called for a rethink of finance as a force for systemic change. “Don’t treat the symptom, change the system,” he urged, highlighting how traditional finance has prioritised short-term shareholder gains at the expense of long-term sustainability. He outlined how regenerative finance shifts this paradigm by aligning financial success with social and environmental impact. Drawing from his work in impact investing, Geoff highlighted key regenerative finance principles: redesigning systems rather than reacting to symptoms, prioritising stakeholders over shareholders, and fostering an investment approach that balances risk, return, and impact.
The keynotes and panel discussion painted the strategic landscapes, provoked thinking with new models and inspiring case studies, which flowed into 15 breakout sessions themed around the ‘Future Of ...’, Innovation Economy, and Planetary Action. Participants delved into critical issues and opportunities, from the future of regenerative AI and healthcare, space, and education, to building Aotearoa NZ’s innovation economy by applying Māori innovation principles, partnerships with Asia and challenging status quo approaches, and advancing planetary action through the rights of nature, regenerative finance, energy transition solutions, community resilience, plus much more. Discussions were collaborative and action-oriented, reinforcing the value of collective intelligence.
Summit participants also experienced a ‘taster’ of the hugely impactful work that EHF Fellows have underway in Aotearoa and around the world during a two-part transformative venture demonstration. In quickfire 5-minute presentations, Christine Moon, co-founder of BlueSpace.ai, showcased her software company which is building a safe and scalable path to autonomy across sectors such as defence and rail. Mike Hart, CEO of Sierra Railroad Company, demonstrated how they are leading the development of America’s first hybrid hydrogen locomotives aiming to reduce emissions in the rail industry. Lily Stender introduced Tolaga Bay Innovation, a grassroots technology and business hub fostering economic development in the Tairāwhiti/Gisborne community. Jojo McEachen shared her work through The Learner First, which looks to transform the traditional education system through a strength-based approach, and the newly formed EHF Fellow collaboration Te Ara Rangatira - made up of connected Fellow-led education initiatives such as Kia Kotahi Ako, Te Whare Hukahuka, Te Pā o Rakaihautu, NNMD & Young Animators Programme, to develop rangatahi (young people) into future leaders. Matthew Jackson presented on Alimentary Systems, his venture with Fellow Harmaan Madon, a circular economy infrastructure that converts organic waste into renewable energy and valuable resources. These were just a few examples of the demos, which gave a glimpse into Fellows’ ventures and innovative approaches.
During the Summit, Hillary Institute & EHF Chair Anna Kominik shared EHF’s transition to a Fellow-led Board, acknowledging existing and previous Board members’ contribution, and that she would be stepping down as EHF Chair. Anna announced the new, soon to be appointed Board directors as Fellows Anne-Marie Brook, Brad Leibov, Hana Maihi and Nathaniel Calhoun. Anna noted the transition to a Fellow-led Board was an exciting part of EHF and the Fellowship’s evolution, and her ongoing commitment to supporting the renewal of the Global Impact Visa programme.
While the 2025 Hillary Innovation Summit has concluded, new collaborations are forming, new ideas have taken shape, and the energy from the two days will be carried forward into real-world action. Reflecting on the first Hillary Innovation Summit, Hillary Institute and EHF CEO Rosalie Nelson reflects:
“Aotearoa NZ has the opportunity to lead in so many ways. To be bold, to innovate, and to drive solutions that benefit both people and planet. This Summit has highlighted a strong appetite to make that a reality, and I’m excited to see the connections, collaborations, and actions it has catalysed come to life.”
A huge thank you to our 2025 Hillary Innovation Summit sponsors: EHF Fellows Tim Ferriss, Youran Wu, and Xincheng Zhang, along with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Ara Ake, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono, PERL Network (founded by EHF Fellow Fredric Evenson), and Superessence (founded by EHF Fellow Y-Vonne Hutchinson). Their support has made these critical conversations possible.
*Outcomes of the Summit, photos and videos of keynotes (with speaker permission) will be shared on the EHF website once available.
Photo credits for all images on this page: Erica Austin, Peanut Productions Photography
