Amorangi gives a masterclass in culture and connection

More than 800 attended in person at Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington or live-streamed on the event’s online platform. This demonstrated Amorangi’s growing demand for kaupapa Māori professional development within the governance sector.

“One of the recurring suggestions we received last hui was to make this an in-person event,” says Te Pūoho Kātene, Kaihautū, chief executive officer of Tapuwae Roa.

“Rather than pivot, we decided to make Amorangi a hybrid event and ensure that the learning platform remained accessible for all, no matter where you are based in the motu. ”

They achieved this by deploying a digital-first approach. Curating the online experience made people feel as though they were right there in the room. Audience participation reflected this throughout the day. There was steady engagement with the event’s live polls, live stream chat, and questions submitted for a real-time panel discussion with speakers on stage.

Arinex event planner Sandra Julian says because Amorangi is a by Māori, for Māori kaupapa it provides a good example of how Māori values can integrate into conference planning and delivery. A key element was engaging Māori speakers and suppliers. Industry experts from across the governance sector included Tina Porou, Jamie Tuuta, Chelsea Grootveld, and Merepeka Raukawa-Tait. With experienced MC Atawhai Tibble guiding the panels.

Māori-owned media company Māui Studios captured the content and live-streamed sessions. A ‘Reo Tiwaiwaka’ (roving reporter) conducted impromptu interviews and delivered them to virtual participants in real time. “It gave the virtual delegates a natural ‘behind the scenes’ view. The aim was to make everyone — remote and in-person — connected,” Sandra says.

The event app also allowed anyone to ask questions and take part in polls with Atawhai speaking to both audiences. Sandra says Te Ao Māori is about whanaungatanga and connecting people. “The way the events in-person and virtual elements were structured allowed the people to come first.”

The content of the conference was in four themes: māngai , ārahi , wero , and whakamana . Two speakers addressed each theme, with the MC then facilitating an interactive panel of audience questions on each theme. “We strategically planned for extended break periods after each theme. It let delegates digest the rich kōrero,  increased opportunities for in-person networking, and gave ample time to transition back and forth from the theatre,” says Sandra.

Tapuwae Roa decided on New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, for its in-person debut. Being in the central city, Te Papa provided a strong base to energise attendees and help them make connections. “Its facilities, experience, and proximity to travel options meant people could attend from throughout Aotearoa,” Te Pūoho Katene added.