Navigating the Tough Times
Keynote Speakers
Sir Ashley Bloomfield
Sir Ashley Bloomfield has 25 years’ experience in public health, policy and health leadership, including at the WHO in Geneva.
Ashley was New Zealand’s Director-General of Health from June 2018 to July 2022 and led the country’s health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was appointed a Knights Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM) in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to public health. Between 2022 and June 2024, Dr Bloomfield was Co-Chair of the Working Group for Amendments to the International Health Regulations (2005) at the World Health Organisation.
Ashely is now a Professor at the University of Auckland's School of Population Health and Interim Chief Executive at Environmental Science and Research (ESR).
Dave Letele
Having grown up with a father who was the president of the Mongrel Mob and in and out of prison throughout his childhood, Dave understands what it means to struggle.
It took Dave a near-death experience to pull him out of a downward spiral. From there, he embarked on a journey that led to him owning several businesses, playing rugby league all over the world, becoming a professional boxer, losing almost 100 kg in body weight, and starting over.
Dave is an inspiration to thousands of Kiwis, achieving his transformation purely through hard work and dedication. Starting his platform via his private Facebook group where over 10,000 people have achieved life-changing levels of weight loss, Dave went on to found his company Buttabean Motivation (BBM), where he and his team are currently working with public health and social service providers across Auckland to deliver his highly effective BBM programs to improve the health outcomes for obese people.
Often consulted by the media, and even the former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, Dave’s bold and no-nonsense approach has changed thousands of lives in his community and around New Zealand. In 2022, Dave was awarded with the Kiwibank New Zealand Local Hero of the year Award for his incredible work across Aotearoa.
Nothing quite beats a real story straight from the heart, Dave will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions where you will come out the other side understanding the power of determination, perseverance, hard work, taking that first step and hope! Let Dave inspire your audience.
Cam Calkoen
Cam Calkoen is a dreamer, a doer, and a champion of possibility. Born with Cerebral Palsy and told that walking and talking would be his greatest challenges, Cam was determined not to let these predictions define his future. He dreamed big, taking on the world with a spirit of resilience and ambition that would shape every step of his journey.
From an early age, Cam set his sights on extraordinary goals. He became an athletic gold medalist, showcasing his ability to push beyond physical limitations and inspiring those around him to do the same. His passion for making a difference extended into philanthropy, where he proved himself a highly effective charitable fundraiser and a creative force in the social enterprise space. With every milestone, he showed that dreams fuel progress and that authenticity and attitude can overcome even the greatest odds.
Driven by a belief that life is what we make it, Cam has made it his mission to embrace every opportunity and challenge. His story is a testament to strength, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Through charisma, artistic flair and real-world experience, Cam lights up every room he enters, leaving people with a renewed sense of belief in their own potential and a clear reminder that dreaming big is not just for the lucky few – it’s for everyone willing to turn opportunity into achievement.