TEDxQueenstown to explore Queenstown’s Sense of Place

Three speakers with unique Queenstown connections will be joining the programme for TEDxQueenstown: Sense of Place on 22 February 2014. Broadcaster Andrew Patterson, musician Mathias Piano Man Lefebvre – known as Mathias Piano Man, and University of Canterbury senior research fellow John Reid will join the existing line-up of esteemed speakers to bring some more local perspectives on ‘Sense of Place’.

RadioLIVE correspondent Andrew Patterson has strong roots in Queenstown as a former resident in the 90s. He is a passionate business champion with a bold vision for young people and their place in society. Patterson believes that supporting and growing entrepreneurism and investment in youth builds their connection with their community and is vital to the future of New Zealand.

Well known by locals for his poignant melodies, Mathias Lefebvre is often seen playing an old kart-mounted piano on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. His unique image has been captured on an award-winning photo in National Geographic, but his story from Belgian masters graduate in humanitarian management to professional busker in Queenstown is even more captivating.

John Reid is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Canterbury’s Ngai Tahu Research Centre. His research explores the way in which Indigenous and Western cultures shape identity, sense of place, and approaches to social and economic development. In particular, John is interested in fostering novel approaches to development through engagement between Indigenous and Western ways of knowing.

Event co-curator Cesar Piotto welcomes these speakers as the glue that will tie theme with location.

“These speakers will bring valuable local connections to ideas around sense of place in Queenstown which will reinforce how fitting this theme is for our unique setting.”

TEDxQueenstown: Sense of Place will be held at Queenstown Memorial Hall. Tickets will be limited to 100 and will be on sale through Ticketek from 28 January at 10am. Join the conversation now on twitter, facebook or atwww.TEDxQueenstown.com

ENDS

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