NYLD 2025 speakers
Cam Calkoen – Dream Big, Achieve More
(Cam is speaking at all 2025 events)
Cam Calkoen is a professional speaker, adventurer, and dream chaser who has transformed what many might see as obstacles into opportunities for greatness. Born with cerebral palsy, Cam has defied expectations and inspired people around the world to reach their full potential. From representing New Zealand in athletics to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and speaking for schools and world-class companies, Cam’s journey proves that with belief, determination, and a positive mindset, anything is possible.
At National Young Leaders Day, Cam brings his message of dreaming big and overcoming challenges to inspire the next generation of young leaders. He passionately believes that leadership is not just about standing out but lifting others up and embracing resilience. Cam’s energy, humour, and down-to-earth storytelling will leave you feeling empowered to set ambitious goals, rise above limitations, and live a life filled with purpose and awesomeness.
In a world that often focuses on what you can’t do, Cam shows you the endless possibilities of what you ‘can’ do. Get ready to dream big, push boundaries, and create a future that’s full of awesomeness!
Georgia Lines – Musician
(Georgia is appearing at all 2025 events)
Georgia Lines has garnered acclaim for her exceptional songwriting prowess, establishing herself as a standout artist in Aotearoa’s vibrant music scene and beyond. Georgia Lines has taken home four New Zealand Music Awards, most recently claiming Best Pop Artist in 2024 following on from her win as Breakthrough Artist of the Year in 2023.
Georgia’s talent as both a songwriter and performer shines through her work. Her debut album, The Rose Of Jericho, released on June 7th, 2024, hit #1 on the New Zealand Album charts and earned critical praise.
The singles “The Letter” and “Wayside” both achieved #1 spots on New Zealand radio airplay charts, with “The Letter” named a finalist for the prestigious Silver Scroll Award in2024. As a result, Georgia has now amassed around 10 million streams across all platforms.
Georgia has supported international acts such as Pentatonix and George Ezra, as well as New Zealand icons Bic Runga and Brooke Fraser, solidifying her presence in the music world.
Elisa Harley, CEO, Enivo Pots
(Elisa is speaking at all NYLD 25 events)
Elisa is an 18-year-old first-year student at the University of Canterbury, is the CEO of Enivo Pots, a venture dedicated to locally producing biodegradable plant pots from New Zealand forestry and primary industry waste.
Over the past two years, she has secured $70,000 in grants for prototyping and worked with legal, scientific, and business experts to tackle the 350 million plastic plant pots used annually in Aotearoa. Enivo Pots placed 3rd in the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) in 2023 and 2024, winning multiple national awards. Elisa was also named 2023 Young Wellingtonian of the Year and is in the second stage of the Hyundai Pinnacle Program.
Her journey began at 12, selling succulents at a local fair—progressing from native plants to pioneering a sustainable alternative to plastic pots. Elisa has since spoken at conferences, appeared on TV1’s Breakfast, Radio New Zealand, and various podcasts, and been featured in The New Zealand Herald, The Post, and Farmers Weekly.
Julia Arnott-Neenee, CEO and Co-Founder at Fibre Fale (Speaking at the Auckland event only)
Julia Arnott-Neenee (Sāmoan, Chinese & British) is an award-winning changemaker in tech on a mission for Digital Equity and increased representation of Pacific people in technology. With her own extensive tech career spanning Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the USA, Julia’s commitment to justice and creating impactful futures evolved when she returned home in 2020 with the establishment of Fibre Fale, a pacific-led social enterprise. Fibre Fale has made an extraordinary impact in under two years, empowering over 6,650 people through in-person programs and reaching over 3 million people online. A true visionary who is led by heart and action, Julia is creating change for generations to come.
Jase Te Patu, Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Tūwharetoa (Speaking at all events except Auckland)
Jase Te Patu doesn’t just talk about mental health—he’s lived it. He’s walked it, breathed through it, and now shares it in a way that genuinely connects. He’s an international keynote speaker, a TED Talker, and an Edmund Hillary Fellow, but what hits different is how grounded, humble, and real he is.
With over 30 years in the game, Jase leads Hauora Aotearoa—a kaupapa deeply rooted in mātauranga Māori, created to uplift tamariki and rangatahi like us to live well, learn well, and lead well. His sessions aren’t just kōrero—they’re packed with practical tools, real talk, and solutions that help us navigate the hard stuff.
He’s part performer, part wellbeing rangatira, and all heart. Jase shows up fully barefoot on the whenua, guided by his tūpuna, and constantly reminds us that your breath is your power.
Teachers Session featuring Julia Grace
(Julia Grace is appearing at all 2025 events)
Julia Grace is a teacher, (with 30 years experience), International Keynote Speaker, Author and Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Named VSA International Breakthrough Speaker of the Year and PSA NZ Educator of the Year, Julia comes to the topic of Mental Health from three backgrounds: Education, Entertainment and Lived Experience. This means that when it comes to ‘Being Kind to Your Mind’, she gets it, she can explain it, and (very importantly) you won’t fall asleep in the process!
Having spoken extensively to Principals and schools across NZ and overseas, Julia brings her message of ‘Being Kind to Your Mind’ to staff, students and whanau alike. In this practical, interactive session get ready to be inspired and equipped with neuroscience based tools for better mental health and wellbeing for all ages.
This session is free for all teachers attending NYLD with their students. It takes place between morning tea and lunch.