Māori and Pasifika only represent about 2% of those working in the creative tech sector. We all want this to change.
Ōtara 4.0 is a series of exciting and innovative Talanoa sessions allocated over five consecutive Wednesday evenings in May and June 2022. Each guest from the creative technologies sector will share their career stories and provide insights into their chosen career path. In addition to having a background in creative technologies, all speakers will be of Māori or Pacific heritage, and in most cases, have a personal link to South Auckland.
The after-school sessions will be held at the rear of the Hillary House Leadership Centre, the iconic family home of NZ mountaineer, explorer and innovator Sir Edmund Hillary. The relaxed and casual sessions will be hosted by young, Ōtara born and bred MC, and star of TVNZ's latest show 'O-Town Dreaming' Jesse Gibson.
Media Design School and the Ministry of Education are primary sponsors of Ōtara 4.0, which was initiated by Pasifika artists/creatives Iokapeta Magele-Suamasi, Ali Cowley and Andrew Tui, with South Auckland youth at the heart of this collaboration!
Each session runs from 3-5pm, with the talks running from 3.30-4.30pm.
Wednesday May 18 - Animation & Visual Effects
Guest speakers:
- Ali Cowley (Samoa), Creative Director
- Evo Leota-Tupou (Samoa/Tonga), Pacific Kids Learning
- Kennedy Kioa Toi Faimanifo (Samoa/Māori), Manatoa Productions
Wednesday May 25 - Gaming
Guest speakers:
- Amber Taylor (Māori), Ara Journeys
- Ray Cocker (Tonga), GameTan
Wednesday 1 June - Media Design (Graphic Design/UX/UI)
Guest speakers:
- Hulu Tuinukuafe (Tonga), Digital Arts Network
- David Parkinson, TBWA
- Anaua Tuihalagingie (Tonga), Digital Arts Network
Wednesday 8 June - Digital Art/Esports/Wrestling
Guest speakers:
- Michel Mulipola (Samoa), Bloody Samoan
Wednesday 15 June - AI / VR Production
Guest speakers:
- Nanai Jr (Samoa), Soul Machines
- Thomas Greentree (Samoa), Game Developer
- Ali Cowley (Samoa), Media Design School
NOTE: All sessions will be outside, on the lawn of Hillary House Leadership Centre. In the event of rain, we have contingency venue nearby.
Livestream
Watch live from 3.30pm down below.

Hillary House Leadership Centre
Hillary House is cared for by trustees and is the only place in New Zealand solely dedicated to the life of legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary. Find out more at www.hillaryhouse.co.nz

Jesse Gibson
Follow Jesse on Instagram @cocoshakim