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Ten Māori business leaders in the game development and digital storytelling sectors will head to China next week to learn about the country’s creative industries and look for opportunities to build creative and business connections.
Asia New Zealand Foundation director of business Nick Siu says the trip also provides a chance for the participants to share kaupapa Māori values, culture and demonstrate how it affects their approach to business and work.
The foundation’s latest Perception of Asia and Asian Peoples report, which highlights a growing interest in Asia among young Māori.
The participating business leaders are:
• Amber Taylor: CEO of ARA Journeys uses immersive technology and AI to create award-winning platforms that combine the natural world with Indigenous knowledge.
• Angela Cudd: Award-winning screen producer, forging pathways for indigenous content through collaborations with Asia and North America.
• Cian Elyse White: Founding director of Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival, developing relationships in China to expand the drone show industry and digital storytelling collaborations.
• Dr. Johnson Witehira: A leading Māori design expert, incorporating traditional knowledge into contemporary design solutions.
• Kandy Wahanui-Peters: Technical co-founder of Tohu Media, developing AI tools for creators to establish content ownership and cultural rights.
• Manawa Udy: Founder of Ngahere Communities, empowering Māori and Pasifika entrepreneurs through creative and social ventures.
• Morgana Watson: PhD student and owner of 4Phase Aotearoa, creates Māori interactive media for entertainment and education, like the game Ariki: The Kaitiaki Saga.
• Pita Taylor-Heke: Game developer at Aoerit Games, focused on creating engaging mobile games, including the upcoming Project Spark series.
• Rio Hemopo: Co-founder of Koi Digital, blends Māori storytelling with digital arts to develop innovative interactive media.
• Whetu Paitai: CEO of Piki and Lore Studios, designs video game experiences for both education and commercial markets.
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