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We are delighted to welcome Dr Jeremy Tatere MacLeod as our guest speaker for the upcoming Innovate Napier Business Breakfast during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.Dr MacLeod will be presenting on Unlocking Innovation Through Cultural Connection — a timely and inspiring session that explores the power of cultural identity and connection as a catalyst for innovation in business.
Transformation isn’t just a business strategy - sometimes it’s a deeply personal journey. Jeremy was born in Australia in 1986 to parents who, like many of their generation, were disconnected from their language and culture. He grew up away from those traditions, always sensing something was missing. At 17, in 2004, he began learning te reo Māori from scratch - a student by day and working nights in a packhouse slowly building a pathway back to identity.
From those beginnings he went on to complete a PhD in Māori language (focussing on dialects), open two kōhanga reo, and lead the Ngāti Kahungunu Language Revitalisation Strategy for 13 years. For the past four years he have also served as Chair of my marae at Waimārama, helping to raise millions of dollars to restore and upgrade our facilities - blending heritage, community, and future‑focused vision. Last year he founded Toitū Te Reo, the world’s first Māori language festival, and I’ll be running it again this year. Alongside this, they established Kauwaka, working with iwi, government, and businesses to build cultural capability and strategy. Most recently, Jeremy and his wife launched Taiea, a fashion label inspired by cultural identity, and he is preparing to lead a trade delegations to the Canton Fair in China.
What he's discovered is that language and culture aren’t just about heritage - they are powerful tools for innovation, resilience, and leadership. At this breakfast, he'll share his story of transformation and the practical lessons it offers for business: how reconnecting with values, embracing different perspectives, and celebrating uniqueness can spark new ideas, strengthen teams, and help organisations grow with authenticity and confidence.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
War Memorial Conference Centre Napier, 60 West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier 4110, New Zealand, Napier
