Dr Vanda Symon - Researcher and internationally published author

Vanda Symon is a New Zealand author known for her Detective Sam Shephard series, which includes five novels, starting with her debut, Overkill, published in 2007. The novel was written amidst the challenges of raising a young family and inspired by a sleep-deprived state that influenced its prologu…

Mark Vette - Animal trainer

Mark Vette is an internationally renowned animal psychologist, zoologist, and founder of Dog Zen, an online dog training program. With over 40 years of experience, he has trained animals for iconic New Zealand commercials, Hollywood films like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia, and…

Maiakawanakaulani Roos

Maia Roos has rapidly ascended through the rugby ranks since debuting for the Auckland Storm in 2019. A talented athlete and leader, she served as Head Girl at Tamaki College and played two matches for the NZ Barbarians in 2020. Maia was also part of the inaugural Blues women’s team, further establ…

Jonathan Ogilvie

Jonathan Ogilvie began his creative journey in the post-punk music scene of Christchurch, producing moody music videos for Flying Nun bands like The Jean-Paul Sartre Experience and Headless Chickens. His iconic 1987 video for Straitjacket Fits' "She Speeds," filmed on a truck in the Lyttelton tunne…

Campbell Hill - Good Neighbour Trust Tauranga

Campbell Hill is the co-founder and Community Impact Manager of Good Neighbour, one of the Bay of Plenty's most prolific and impactful community organizations. With the help of over 300 dedicated volunteers, Good Neighbour addresses critical needs in the community through a variety of initiatives. …

Ella Kumar - Puketāpapa Local Board chair

Ella Kumar is the current chair of Auckland’s Puketāpapa Local Board, and in 2010 she was the first Kiwi-Indian woman elected to a local board in the country.  She's a qualified aerobics instructor, volunteer, marriage celebrant and is known for her passion for the community of Mt Roskill. Kumar …

Sam Smith - Comedian, Writer and Reality TV Star

Sam Smith is a stand-up comedian, comedy writer, and musician from Auckland, NZ. He gained fame as the winner of season one of The Traitors New Zealand in 2023. Sam has appeared in popular Kiwi shows like 7 Days, Mean Mums, My Favourite Dead Person, and Shortland Street. In addition to his on-scree…

Finn Butcher - Olympic kayak cross champion

Finn Butcher is a talented New Zealand slalom canoeist who has been competing internationally since 2012. Growing up near the Kawarau River, Finn discovered his passion for paddling at the age of nine. Under the mentorship of Alan "Sarge" Hoffman, he developed his skills and later moved to Auckland…

Holly Arrowsmith - NZ musician

Born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and raised in the mountains of Southern New Zealand, Holly Arrowsmith is a multi-award-winning songwriter known for her poetic storytelling. With a focus on the deeply personal aspects of life, her lyrics resonate - exploring what it means to be human through prayer-li…

David Walliams - Author and comedian

David Walliams is a renowned English comedian, actor, and author, celebrated for his collaborations with Matt Lucas on BBC’s Little Britain and Come Fly With Me. His role as a judge on Britain's Got Talent from 2012 - 2022 earned him significant acclaim, including multiple National Television Award…