New Zealand
For team leader Nigel Cherrie, rowing into Auckland City on 20 January this year wasn't just the culmination of a two-month adventure on the Tasman Sea, it was the finish line of a five year journey to achieve a great life-changing goal.
Nigel, with team-mates James Blake and Andrew McCowan, passed under the Auckland Harbour Bridge 55 days and two hours after leaving Australia- a 3,300km human-powered voyage.
The team endured almost a month of torrid weather on the Tasman Sea, spending approximately 27 days at sea anchor as their 10.5m boat, The Moana, was tossed around by 4-6m seas and winds reaching 50 knots.
But the perseverance required to cross the Tasman by oar power and eat cold food when they ran out of gas, was fuelled by five years of pursuing the dream, raising the sponsorship, building a team and overcoming every hurdle imaginable just to cross the Sydney Harbour start line.
Paddy has been a rugby referee for 20 years and is New Zealand’s most capped test referee and is currently the most experienced referee on the world refereeing panel. A born and bred Southlander, Paddy can give a motivational entertaining talk with the theme “controlling the controllables” to a humorous account of his life as a world class referee.
Mister Meana, a Christchurch based band, delivers a variety of music, which is diverse in style and appeals to all age groups. Their music is entertaining and audience responsive. They associate with clients and agencies in a way that demonstrates their professionalism and work ethic
Paul has been the resident radio commentator at Carisbrook since 1993 and is known to many as the “Voice of Carisbrook”. Over 14 seasons Paul has called many famous Otago and All Black victories from the commentary box – a position he regards as the best seat in the house.
Paul speaks on relevant topics for today based on his personal experiences. He has been in management since he was 22 years old in Australia and came to New Zealand over 10 years ago where he held the Chief Executive role at Omegatrend before taking up the role of CEO at Bartercard New Zealand in June 2007.
Well known for his quick mind and charm as a Master of Ceremonies and Feature Act Comedian, Paul began his stand-up comedy career in London in 1994 His first award was many years earlier when he won a talent quest at age 14. His second came almost 20 years later when he won the Billy T James Comedy Award. Now can be heard on the Breakfast session at Rock FM.
Paul's presentations contain both motivational and educational aspects in equal parts. Ten years of real estate practice in London formed the basis of Paul's motivation, coaching and speaking career in New Zealand. More than two decades in the sales, goal setting and motivational fields have given him a keen understanding of personal achievement and business success.
Once the stereotypical marketing man – busy, overweight, stressed. You name it, that was him ! Then not long after his 40th Birthday – fast paced living caught up. Paul was diagnosed with terminal Bowel Cancer and given 6 months to live Describing it then as the “Wake up call from Hell” – he now refers to his Cancer diagnosis as a gift that saved his life.
Outstanding Olympic medal winning canoeist, and motivational speaker.
International Gold Medal Magic Champion Paul Romhany has entertained the Royal Family of Monaco, performed at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and appeared in over 100 countries. He shares his time between New Zealand and North America and is in demand as one of the top acts for high end cruise ships and around the world.
Paul Watkins was a double winner in the 1996 NZ National Tourism Awards for “Best Marketing Campaign” and “Best Regional Development “ and was the Chief Executive at Tourism Waikato for nine years. After leaving University Paul was employed in retail, sales and sales management for several consumer goods companies. He then made the move into owning and franchising a chain of video retail outlets, selling out to his partner in 1989. Since starting his own business consultancy in 1998, Paul Watkins has helped a number of corporations in their marketing strategies, with a direct result on bottom line sales for numerous companies.
An amazing lady with a story of courage and fortitude and amazing achievement. Pauline entered the convent at the age of 17 and at the age of 29 found herself back within the secular world, having to begin her life all over again. Her daughter Mary had a stroke whilst still at primary school and Pauline talks about the effect that had on her and on Mary’s siblings. Whilst visiting Mary in Tauranga hospital she met a severely disabled man who changed her life. Her recent book and play ‘500 Letters’ tells the story of her 17-year friendship with him.
Founder of internationally successful brands Snowy Peak, Untouched World and MERINOMINK, will share her secrets behind her success, including the strategies she employed to position her brand globally, as well as the challenges and opportunities she has faced along the way
Peta Mathias is a wonderful, colourful celebrator of life and food.
Peter began his career in Stand-up comedy and has kept the faith ever since, performing to great acclaim in the Auckland and Wellington Comedy Festivals in 2005 and 2009. In his work as a Corporate entertainer Peter brings his political antennae and comedic writing - as well as his proven abilities as a character actor. !
From Real Training – Harcourts have worked with him in the past.
Peter Hillary is a powerful and dynamic speaker. Like his adventures his presentations are inspiring, exciting and full of lessons for business today.
Peter is doing amazing work with The Achilles Track Club – coaching athletes with disabilities. He took 40 disabled athletes to do the New York Marathon last year. Their attitudes to their disabilities and their lives are amazing and an inspiration to all. Peter gives a very motivating address.
New Zealand’s internationally recognised sports commentator and voice of yachting and the America’s Cup