Wao Summit 2024 Speakers
Wao Summit 2024 Speakers
The good humans who will be gracing the stage at this year’s Wao 2024 Summit.
Monique Kelly
Monique, is the Co-Founder of Concept Store Revology, General Manager at Wao, and UN ILO consultant on labor rights, focusing on carbon-zero and regenerative futures.
Dr Greg Bodeker
Greg, director of Bodeker Scientific, has over 130 published papers in climate science, co-founded Red Sky AI, directs Kentron Ltd, and is an adjunct professor at Victoria University.
Sam Gibson
Sam/Hamiora (AKA Sam the Trapman) is a trapper and conservationist, founded the Eastern Whio Link project, restoring native whio to Waioeka rivers. He lives in Gisborne with his family.
Paul Spoonley
Paul Spoonley, emeritus professor at Massey University, is a New Zealand sociologist specialising in social change, demography, and policy. He has authored 27 books and is a regular commentator in the news media.
Ron Bull
Ron’s work integrates his deep connection to titi harvesting traditions with his extensive experience in tertiary education. Ron has dedicated 20 years to developing education and curriculum, utilising historical contexts to construct and understand contemporary biculturalism in Aotearoa.
Dr David Beaumont
David, author of Positive Medicine, is a Consultant Occupational Physician specialising in worker health and former President of the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Janice Lee
Janice Lee is a disability advocate focused on empowering people through independent living skills, food resilience, and sustainable gardening, including projects with Kainga Ora and Koha Kai.
Jana Davis
Jana Davis (Waitaha, Kāti Mamoe, Kāi Tahu) is Chief Executive of Te Tapu o Tāne Ltd, driving Māori-led environmental and regional development, and is involved with Mata-Au River Trust and Kāi Tahu ki Tuawhenua.
Dr Susan Wardell
Susan, a Social Anthropology lecturer at the University of Otago and award-winning writer, explores emotion, care, and mental health in relation to climate distress.
Sofia Cinque
Sofia is a sustainability advisor and manager at Chunky, promoting reuse over single-use. She shares zero-waste tips on @earthic.life and connects menstrual cycles with environmental health.
Charlotte Friedrich
Charlotte supports creatives and innovators in aligning with nature's rhythms. A certified Menstruality Mentor with a background in wellbeing psychology, she leads a wellbeing practice and consults for Aro Hā.
Rochana Moon
Rochana Moon, founder of Wise Moon Wellness, is a herbalist and naturopath offering consultations, workshops, and herbal products, focusing on plant-based holistic wellbeing in Wanaka.
Zoe Hawkins
Zoe Hawkins, an internationally awarded copywriter and founder of Brand+Butter, now hosts Creative Juices, an open mic for spoken word and music, while promoting regenerative businesses.
Nature’s Symphony/Johnny Scott
Nature’s Symphony blends diverse music, storytelling, and education to inspire creativity, culture, and regenerative action, co-created by community in immersive, nature-driven experiences.
Emma Horgan-Heke
Emma, CEO of Sustainable HB and EHA board member, has expertise in large-scale project management, regenerative practices, and community building, with roles in climate action and resilience.