AUCKLAND, Today: Hawke’s Bay is set to host CREATE 2025, a new one-day symposium bringing together business and creative leaders to explore storytelling as a tool for growth, innovation and regional identity.
Happening Tuesday 17 June at the Napier War Memorial Centre, the event is delivered by Ngā Toi Creative Hawke’s Bay in partnership with Ngati Kahungunu and with support from Creative New Zealand.
Centred on the theme The Power of Storytelling, the day includes keynotes, place-based storytelling, masterclasses and panel discussions — all aimed at unlocking the region’s narrative potential and collective creative strength.
“This is an opportunity to examine the incredible stories emerging from our region and learn how we could better penetrate the national and global markets with them,” says Daniel Betty, trustee and event lead.
“Storytelling isn’t just a tool for artists and creatives – it’s a strategic asset for us all to leverage,” he adds. “CREATE 2025 will help us identify our best stories and explore how we can communicate them in ways that attract investment and inspire innovation.”
The line-up includes David Downs, Emma Slade and Kim Thorp, along with voices from iwi, tourism, logistics, media and the arts.
“David brings a national lens to local conversations,” says Daniel. “I think he’ll be able to offer a compelling perspective on how we sell our stories, and our strengths, to the world.”
“This is an opportunity to examine the incredible stories emerging from our region and learn how we could better penetrate the national and global markets with them.” – Daniel Betty
The idea for CREATE 2025 was inspired by a challenge from Ngati Kahungunu: “In Te Matau-a-Māui we see the sun rise but not the sun set.”
“It was an interesting metaphor that captured the spirit of Hawke’s Bay – a place of growth and optimism, but one that’s lacked a shared platform for cross-sector storytelling,” Daniel says.
He adds that Covid, Cyclone Gabrielle and economic pressures have made regional storytelling harder — but also more important as Hawke’s Bay looks to its future.
“Now, we have the chance to come together and reflect on how the region moves forward, not by returning to the status quo, but by co-designing a future that better integrates the stories of its people and places. My hope is that CREATE 2025 becomes an annual regional event celebrating Hawke’s Bay’s unique identity.”
A special dinner at Black Barn Bistro will give delegates a chance to connect over good food and meaningful conversation. Seats are limited and already booking fast.
“I expect there will be plenty of conversations at those tables about how storytelling can become a tool for regional growth and global relevance,” says Daniel. “It’s just another way in which we hope to spark debate, stimulate the exchange of ideas, and hold space to shape something new.”
Scholarships are available for local creatives, with sponsorship options open to businesses and organisations keen to support the symposium or fund a delegate ticket.
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