Kaihautū | Keynote speakers

Dave Letele

Life Coach and Founder of The BBM Program

A near-death experience motivated Dave Letele to transform his life for the better. Formally recognised as a professional boxer, Dave has transitioned into becoming a highly regarded motivational speaker and life coach in Aotearoa. He is also the creator of the impactful Buttabean Motivation (BBM) program, which is dedicated to combating obesity among Māori and Pacific communities through education and support.

Derek Wenmoth

Principal consultant at Tātai Aho Rau Core Education and founder of Future Makers.

Derek is an influential future-focused leader in Aotearoa's education landscape. As a former educator and policy writer, he has advised schools and government agencies on shaping the future of education. Derek co-founded Tatai Aho Rau Core Education in 2003 and later established FutureMakers, he is driven by his belief in education as a pathway to self-improvement and a fundamental right for all.

Pania Newton

Waikato, Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa

Pania is a lawyer and activist championing Māori land rights in Aotearoa. She is passionate about te reo Māori me onā tikanga, the environment, social justice, indigenous rights, and working to achieve constitutional transformation in Aotearoa. Her research, as part of Toi Tu Ihumātao, is led for and by the whanau of Makaurau Marae and Te Ahiwaru iwi. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy illuminates a path towards an equitable future for education and for Aotearoa.

Cha’nel Kaa-Luke

Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Ruahine and Ngāti Porou

Cha’nel Kaa-Luke is a wahine Māori turi who grew up in Deaf Education and now works within the organisation. Through their role as Kaitakawaenga Turi Māori, they empower students to explore their identity, culture, and language, propelling their education and career prospects. Chan’el encompasses the dual identity development of being both Māori and Deaf, in both community and education settings.

Kaiwhakataki | MCs

Janelle Riki-Waaka

Kaiwhakahaere | Director at Riki Consultancy

Tainui Āwhiro, Ngāti Hauiti

Janelle, a vibrant and experienced leader and consultant, with a wealth of expertise in cultural competencies and te Tiriti o Waitangi education. She is now Kaiwhakahaere | Director at her own consultancy agency, Riki Consultancy. Janelle is focused on empowering our rangatahi to live, create, and innovate. She will be bringing this enthusiasm to the stage at uLearn23!

Stacey Morrison

Television and radio host, author and advocate

Ngāi Tahu, Te Arawa

Stacey is a dynamic and highly acclaimed television and radio host, known for her vibrant presence and unwavering commitment to championing the use and promotion of te reo Māori. Stacey's dedication extends beyond her professional career, she is actively involved with communities, adopting a community-based approach to language facilitation. She brings the passion and advocacy to the stage face-to-face at uLearn23.

Toi-Ako | Edutainment

Che Fu

Musician, MC, DJ

Ko Ngāti Whakatere, Ko Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Kuia ngā iwiKo Ngāti Takihiku, Ngāti Ngārongo ngā hapū

Initially gaining recognition as a member of the renowned kiwi rock band Supergroove in the early 90s, Che Fu later established himself as a solo artist, creating chart-topping hip hop/soul tracks like "Chains" and "Misty Frequencies," and platinum-selling albums including "2b S. Pacific" and "The Navigator."With his remarkable achievements and passion for an equitable Aotearoa, Che Fu is poised to inspire and captivate the audience at uLearn23!