There’s a reason the military world-wide is good at innovation – they’re playing in the space of really big problems that need to be solved really soon (and the stakes are high). Innovation (doing things differently and taking a few risks), is often considered a luxury, not something we need to worry too much about. Until you do need to worry about it and you're being smacked in the face with your lack of innovation or foresight.
There is a big difference between innovation in peacetime and innovation in crisis. But how do we know what time we’re in? Especially with the increasing complexity and speed at which things are changing globally. In the digital age, museums, libraries, and galleries are not just repositories of knowledge—they are platforms for reinvention. They are also the safe and trusted entities that our communities look to for guidance when life feels edgy.
Innovation isn’t just for the usual suspects—it belongs to the cool and interesting people who see the world differently and dare to shape it.
This keynote is a call to arms for fearless innovation. We’ll explore what it takes to cultivate an innovation mindset—one that thrives on uncertainty, embraces experimentation, and redefines what’s possible for the GLAM sector. From radical creativity to digital disruption, from unlocking hidden opportunities to building ecosystems of innovation, this session aims to equip you with the tools to think bigger, act bolder, and lead with vision.
Expect sharp insights, unexpected provocations, and real-world lessons from Māori innovation ecosystems, global disruptors, and the intersection of culture and cutting-edge tech. Whether you're leading a transformation, wrestling with digital strategy, or just looking for a creative jolt—this is the session that will challenge you to see innovation not as an outcome, but as a way of being.
The future isn’t waiting. It’s ours to create.
Tui Te Hau (Rongomaiwahine, Te Arawa, Ngāti Tuwharetoa) is a senior executive and innovation strategist, and founder of Bird Island, a boutique consultancy focused on innovation for global good.
She has designed national programmes in the innovation and entrepreneurial space. This included the Lightning Lab, the blueprint for business acceleration in New Zealand and Mahuki, the world’s first accelerator for the culture and heritage sector.
Formerly, the lead of the Māori enterprise team for New Zealand’s international trade agency she supported the export aspirations of major indigenous entities and provided in-market support to NZ exporters as Trade Commissioner Melbourne. She has extensive experience in the culture and heritage sector supporting efforts to tell our nation’s rich stories and is an international speaker on innovation in the culture and heritage sector.
In her most recent role with the National Library, she led a team that developed educational experiences around our nation’s founding documents; He Whakaputanga, the Declaration of Independence, ti Tiriti o Waitangi and the Women’s Suffrage Petition. This included the journey to pay equity e-learning module, the ‘are we there yet’ speaker series and other resources for student and adult learners.
Tui works with entities focused on impact investing, STEM education, student entrepreneurship, a global knowledge exchange programme and supporting the next generation of Māori creatives.
Her current directorships include the Institute of Directors, Mary Potter Hospice in Wellington, Endometriosis NZ and the Dev Academy.