Theme: Seeds of Growth

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Your home!
Te Aro
Wellington, Wellington, 6011
New Zealand

Imali De Silva

Hutt Valley High School Student

If you saw someone who was tired and obviously sleep-deprived, you wouldn’t tell them to wake up and continue studying. SO why do we tell ourselves this? In her talk, Imali focuses on our mind and how we are our own greatest bully. She brings light to the way we treat yourself and shows how much our mindset can affect us. Life is full of ups and downs and Imali’s aim is to present us with some mechanisms including the triple-A insurance, that will help us to watch our thoughts and harness our mind.

John Hopcroft

Palmerston North Boys High School Student

We all have the potential to do something amazing. To be successful and to make a name for ourselves. But so many of us miss out on that opportunity to use that potential, choosing to go day by day, month by month and year by year. Focusing on the near rather than using our skills to build a great future. We are world record procrastinators. In his talk, John Hopcroft explains that as teenagers, we are in the prime of our lives. At this age, we don’t have the burden of supporting ourselves or family and that is a huge asset. We need to take advantage of our teenage years and give something a try, choosing to put away our phones and focus on making success for ourselves. If we change our mindsets to create a goal and work towards it, we can achieve so much.

Ricardo Arevalo

Design student at Victoria University of Wellington

At some point in our life, we will feel like a cactus in a forest of pine trees. We feel that we don’t belong because we’re the odd one out or weird. It is at these times that it is important to remember that it is our diversity that makes our world so great. Through his journey from Venezuela to New Zealand, Ricardo faced many challenges that fought with his beliefs as a person. But he did not back down, letting his differences take the reins. In his talk, Ricardo conveys the message that if you are afraid to express yourself, to speak up because of your blemishes, then you are choosing to sit back and watch as someone else takes control. He aims to inspire us to take control and speak up because we should not be afraid to be different.

Simone Lenora

St Mary's College Wellington Student

In her talk, Simone aims to bring awareness to those living with special needs. She is blessed to have a little sister who has been diagnosed with ADHD and autism and uses Ted as a platform to bring inclusivity into our communities. Because those with special needs are often overlooked, bullied or ignored by others. But they deserve the same opportunities and attention as anyone else and should not be viewed as easy targets by school bullies. Simone brings light to the current standings of special needs in our communities and fights to bring more equity between those with and without special needs.