The conference will take place Saturday 30 May at the City Gallery, and features talks from:

• Elizabeth Connor, science communicator, competition organiser and rebellious optimist. Elizabeth grew up in a spiritual community, went on to study science, worked with the late Sir Paul Callaghan and now wants to  connect the huge potential of science and technology with arts and the real opportunities and needs of our country. She is interested in cutting the cord of rationality to have more fun;
• Entrepreneur and photographer Stu Robertson whose Peace In 10,000 Hands art project is gaining international attention. It features photos of supporters holding a single white rose for peace, with funds raised going towards charities. Participants in Stu’s project include a Tibetan monk, Demi Moore, Lucy Lawless, Danny DeVito and more;
• Wellington writer Pip Desmond who worked at the forefront of New Zealand feminism during her time in the cooperative Aroha Trust.  She recently spent two years volunteering in Timor-Leste teaching creative writing so the local language, verbal history and stories can now be recorded;
• Zen peacemaker Marianne Elliot. A former human rights lawyer, Marianne is now a writer, co-owner of a Mexican eatery in Wellington and teaches yoga. She has worked on human rights in the Gaza Strip, with the Government of Timor-Leste, and in Afghanistan where she co-wrote a report on gender-based violence;
• Louisa Wall submitted the revolutionary Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Bill to Parliament that changed New Zealand’s laws, allowing same-sex couples to marry. She is a full time politician for the Labour party.  Louisa previously was a member of the Silver Ferns and Black Ferns, and was once named New Zealand Women’s Rugby Player of the Year. She is passionate about ensuring all kiwis live equally in dignity and rights.

The event, organised by Natalia Albert, will also include an exclusive streaming simulcast of international speakers from the TEDWomen conference in California.

We’ve got a double pass to TEDxWellingtonWomen to give away. To win it, simply email us with who you’re looking forward to seeing most and why.

Good luck!