Te Ara Whakamua: Courage, Connection, Change
Delivered in Tauranga 28th of August 2025
HPCE Aotearoa recently had the privilege of delivering Te Ara Whakamua: Courage, Connection, Change, an afternoon event designed to ignite bold conversations and inspire fresh perspectives.
Held at the elegant Tauranga Club, the gathering brought together business leaders, innovators, and changemakers to explore themes of leadership, resilience, and collaboration.
The event was made possible through the generous support of Enterprise Angels and Chartered Accountants ANZ, with the Institute of Directors Bay of Plenty as the primary collaborator. In keeping with our commitment to community, we also donated $10 from every ticket sold to the Western Bay Women’s Fund.
The Speaker Line-Up
Our programme featured a deliberately diverse line-up of speakers, sparking curiosity and anticipation. Some guests admitted they weren’t sure how such an eclectic mix would come together, but as the afternoon unfolded, the flow was seamless. Each presentation built naturally on the last, weaving common threads of courage, connection, and change. The result was a dynamic and thought-provoking experience that left the audience engaged and energised.
Creating the Experience
From the outset, guests were immersed in an atmosphere of sophistication and creativity. The stunning theming by Wild Apricot Events perfectly complemented the venue’s character, creating a warm and inviting environment. A champagne wall added an element of surprise and delight, quickly becoming a talking point and icebreaker among attendees.
One piece of feedback summed it up best, “Best conference line-up I’ve listened to in years.”
Acknowledgements
We are deeply grateful to:
Our inspiring speakers for sharing their expertise and personal stories.
Our generous sponsors for their invaluable support: Comvita, Affordable Backyard Constructions, PowrSuit, SWEA Design, and The Production Agency.
The IoD Bay of Plenty Branch for their collaboration in bringing this event to life.
Impact
Te Ara Whakamua was more than just an event, it was a catalyst for conversation, inspiration, and connection. Attendees left with new insights, fresh energy, and strengthened networks, reinforcing HPCE Aotearoa’s vision to establish the New Zealand standard in event management by embodying the principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship and stewardship) and take that excellence globally.