Participants encouraged to bring entrepreneurial spirit to Startup Weekend Tairāwhiti event

Participants and mentors at a previous Startup Weekend Tairāwhiti (SWT) event deep in conversation. From left are Brian Gardner, Tim Marshall, Te Paea Whakatope, Christina Leef, and Maria Abercrombie. SWT is returning next week with a rallying cry to rise adversity, embrace innovation and create meaningful change in the community. Picture by Josh @MarkisaStudios

Get ready to ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and make a difference in the community with the return of Startup Weekend Tairāwhiti (SWT).

The community-driven event empowers aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and change-makers to collaborate on building startups that make a positive impact.

From idea generation to prototype development, participants work together over 54 hours to turn their visions into reality.

The April 26-28 event  will see aspiring entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and community champions converge at Campion College.

Under the banner of Rise Up, Start Up!, this year’s event will inspire participants to overcome challenges, seize opportunities and bring their ideas to life.

“Rise Up, Start Up!” encapsulates the essence of SWT — a rallying cry for individuals to rise above adversity, embrace innovation and create meaningful change in the community.

“This theme embodies the resilience, determination and spirit of aroha that define the Tairāwhiti region,” SWT lead organiser Melka Oakley said.

SWT isn’t just about building startups. It’s also about fostering connections, sparking creativity and shifting mindsets.

Participants will have the opportunity to pitch their boldest ideas and form dynamic teams for a journey of innovation and collaboration.

“What sets Startup Weekend Tairāwhiti apart is its unwavering focus on community and positive change,” Ms Oakley said.

“From tackling local challenges to exploring global opportunities, participants will collaborate to create solutions that make a difference.

“Whether it’s developing sustainable technologies, promoting social inclusion or revolutionising traditional industries, every idea has the potential to spark transformation and leave a lasting legacy.

“This Startup Weekend Tairāwhiti is an invitation to rise up out of the heaviness, ‘time travel’ — see how things used to be, how they could be — and rise to the challenge.

“Come and create the future you imagine through collective action. We invite everyone to join us in this inspiring journey of innovation and impact.”

• Individuals from all backgrounds and skill levels are welcome to take part.
• Early bird tickets are available for $50.
• For more information and to get tickets, go to www.swtairawhiti.org/