Nelson Mandela’s former chief of security Rory Steyn; Kiwi adventurer Mike Allsop (who who has survived a plane crash and run seven marathons in seven days on seven continents), and Vend CEO Vaughan Rowsell have joined the speaker lineup for the third annual TEDxAuckland event.

Set for August 16, the event also boasts B Team sustainability expert Rebecca Mills, who’s working with Richard Branson and Derek Handley; Catherine Bell, founder of the Garden to Table Trust that educates children to grow and cook healthy food; and comedian Urzila Carlson.

Organiser Elliott Blade says he wants to strengthen the TEDx brand in New Zealand.

“Since TEDxAuckland launched, the event has started to introduce the idea of TED at a local level and has focused on Kiwi thinkers and world-changing ideas. This year we are adding a selection of international speakers to the mix.”

Other confirmed speakers are executive chef Matt Stone and Luke Nola, CEO of production company Nola and Friends which creates educational content for kids.