A new event for Hawke’s Bay, called CREATE 2025, is set to bring businesses and creatives together.
Under the theme, The Power of Storytelling, the one-day symposium will feature keynote talks, place-based storytelling, masterclasses and facilitated dialogue to engage the region’s diverse arts, culture and creative sectors, and innovative business minds.
Held at the Napier War Memorial Centre on June 17, CREATE 2025: The Power of Storytelling is planned and hosted by Ngā Toi Creative Hawke’s Bay in partnership with Ngati Kahungunu and with support from Creative New Zealand.
Daniel Betty, Ngā Toi Creative Hawke’s Bay trustee and event lead, says in a statement that this is an opportunity to examine “the incredible stories emerging from our region and learn how we could better penetrate the national and global markets with them”.
“Storytelling isn’t just a tool for artists and creatives – it’s a strategic asset for us all to leverage. Through panels, conversations and networking, CREATE 2025 will help us identify our best stories and explore how we can communicate them in ways that attract investment and inspire innovation.”
Guests include David Downs – a business leader, cancer survivor, author, and CEO of New Zealand Story, film producer Emma Slade, and brand expert Kim Thorp, plus representatives from iwi, tourism, logistics, the arts, media production and more.
Betty says Ngā Toi is especially delighted to involve Downs in the event.
Known for his engaging insights and deeply human approach to storytelling, “David brings a national lens to local conversations. I think he’ll be able to offer a compelling perspective on how we sell our stories, and our strengths, to the world.”
Ngā Toi has also released tickets for an optional, evening event, a dinner at Black Barn Bistro.
CREATE 2025 offers a scholarship programme for local creatives who may not be able to afford to purchase a ticket to the symposium.
There are sponsorship and partnership opportunities, for businesses and organisations interested in supporting Ngā Toi Creative Hawke’s Bay, the CREATE 2025 symposium, celebration dinner or funding a scholarship.
The organisers say Hawke’s Bay is already home to global leaders in technology (Fingermark), design (David Trubridge), performance (Kahurangi Māori Dance Company) and more.
Yet, says Betty, much of its success remains under the radar. “The fact is that we are so rich in narrative potential. Imagine the creative solutions we can find to surface some of these stories through this symposium.”
For more information see https://www.ngatoihawkesbay.co.nz/
