Ōtara 4.0 is a series of exciting and innovative Talanoa sessions allocated over five consecutive Wednesday evenings in May and June 2022. Each guest from the creative technologies sector will share their career stories and provide insights into their chosen career path. In addition to having a background in creative technologies, all speakers will be of Māori or Pacific heritage, and in most cases, have a personal link to South Auckland.

The after-school sessions will be held at the rear of the Hillary House Leadership Centre, the iconic family home of NZ mountaineer, explorer and innovator Sir Edmund Hillary. The relaxed and casual sessions will be hosted by local MC and digital producer Jesse Gibson, who recently featured in TVNZ's O'Town Dreaming.

Media Design School and the Ministry of Education are primary sponsors of Ōtara 4.0, initiated by Pāsifika Artists/Creatives Iokapeta Magele-Suamasi, Ali Cowley and Andrew Tui with South Auckland youth at the heart of this collaboration!

Each session runs from 3-5pm, with the talks running from 3.30-4.30pm.

Wednesday May 18 - Animation & Visual Effects

Guest speakers:

• Ali Cowley (Samoa), Creative Director
• Evo Leota-Tupou (Samoa/Tonga), Pacific Kids Learning
• Kennedy Kioa Toi Faimanifo (Samoa/Māori), Manatoa Productions

Wednesday May 25 - Gaming

Guest speakers:

• Amber Taylor (Māori), Ara Journeys
• Ray Cocker (Tonga), GameTan

Wednesday 1 June - Media Design (Graphic Design/UX/UI)

Guest speakers:

• Hulu Tuinukuafe (Tonga), Digital Arts Network
• David Parkinson, TBWA
• Anaua Tuihalagingie (Tonga), Digital Arts Network

Wednesday 8 June - Digital Art/Esports/Wrestling

Guest speaker:

• Michel Mulipola (Samoa), Bloody Samoan

Wednesday 15 June - AI / VR Production

Guest speakers:

• Nanai Jr (Samoa), Soul Machines
• Thomas Greentree (Samoa), Game Developer
• Ali Cowley (Samoa), Media Design School

NOTE: All sessions will be outside, on the lawn of Hillary House Leadership Centre. In the event of rain, we have contingency venue nearby.