Secret's out: panellists named

Robert McGowan believes the Earth is at a tipping point and will be speaking at the Great Escape on June 5. Photo/supplied

It has been a mystery - until now. Escape! organisers this week revealed the lineup for The Great Escape! session where six panellists have seven minutes each to tell a true story.

Taking up the challenge are novelists Greg McGee and Nicky Pellegrino, microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles, author-illustrator Donovan Bixley, film buff Geoff Lealand of Waikato University and rongoa Maori medicine expert Robert McGowan of Tauranga.

"Only seven minutes," laughs Robert, a former Catholic priest also known as Pa Ropata. "You'd better have a buzzer."

Working for Nga Whenua Rahui, a unit within the Department of Conservation, Rob believes the Earth is at tipping point. "The planet will survive, but will we? I don't believe we can change people by reminding them of what they fear, instead we change people by giving them hope."

Fellow panelist Geoff Lealand has been part of Waikato University's department of Screen and Media Studies for more than 20 years.

As well as writing movie reviews for the Bay of Plenty Times, he contributes to publications ranging from The Listener to Little Treasures, and has been a judge for the Qantas Television Awards, 48 Hours and TropfestNZ.

"I can still remember the first film I ever saw, unlike the first book I ever read, and that to me was an important moment in my life. These days I see about 70 or 80 films a year of various sorts."

Audience members will be able to interact with the speakers after they have told their stories.

the fine print:
What: The Great Escape
When: Sunday June 4, 4pm
Where: Baycourt
Tickets: $20 (TECT $16, until May 27) from Baycourt or www.ticketek.co.nz. See the Escape! programme at www.taurangafestival.co.nz