Paving the Digital Path for Māori and Pasifika Talent

Maru Nihoniho is the managing director, game producer and designer at Metia Interactive, an award-winning game development studio. She leads a team of developers that include artists and programmers. As well as designing and developing original IP she also produces 3rd party games across multiple platforms including PlayStation, iOS, Android, PC, Mac and other technologies such as Virtual Reality.

Jacob Luamanuvae-Su'a is a senior facial animator who works for WETA Digital in Wellington and has worked on many familiar animated faces you'll recognise from the movies including Golum from Lord of the Rings and Thanos from the Marvel Blockbuster 'Avengers'.

Te Aroha Grace works for Figure Group, an orgnaisation that uses the Te Ao Māori world view to guide their designs and digital creations, including the learning platform, Huatau. Te Aroha also afilliates with Ngāti Whātua and has been instrumental in developing MDS's relationship with the local iwi.

Evo Leota-Tupou is a social entrepreneur, freelance graphic designer, and founder of Pacific Kids' Learning. She successfully worked in different countries and is now based in Auckland.

Johnson Mckay works with government, business and diverse communities to design creative solutions for a thriving Aotearoa. He is a passionate advocate for inclusive practises that bring together all New Zealanders to design an authentic Aotearoa together, where everyone has a voice and te reo Māori and Māori cultural perspectives enrich us all.

Mary is a proud Niuean from the villages of Hakupu and Vaiea but is currently residing in Mangere.

Mary Aue is the founder of Coconut Wireless – the social media platform that has amassed more than 440,000 followers and has a reach of two million people every week. She also manages the successful South Auckland STEM programme.

Mary is passionate about promoting all things Pacific, whether in New Zealand or abroad.

Raynor Cocker is the foudner of GameTan, co-founder of Ora Kura, and founder of the Māori and Pasefika Tech Activation Trust.

Nanai Jr is a Technical Artist at Soul Machines in Auckland. He is also a proud graduate of Media Design School (3D and VFX).

The talented Pat Mose will be our emcee, as well our DJ during the event! With a strong background working in student marketing and higher education, Pat is currently working as a Careers Advisor and Teacher at Henderson High in Auckland. He is also an accomplished musician and was recently featured on 'Soul Sessions'.