UNO Issue 42

Fun-filled

Mat and I met Katikati-based comedian Ben Hurley at the August launch of Tauranga’s Groundswell Festival of Innovation (page 18). That Bay of Plenty sunshine is a magnet for top talent, and Ben (page 94) typifies the successful New Zealander – he’s just a bloody good bloke, understated and friendly, who comes alive when he does what he does. In fact, his face is so expressive, we decided to publish three covers – which one are you holding? Right now, Ben’s busy producing the Mount Comedy Festival, which will be held in early January; get googling to secure your tickets before they sell out.

Olly Coffey (page 42), has changed the lives of so many people with his therapy NeuroPhysics, and I’m fortunate to have been added to that list. My right arm has been paralysed for 17 years after a motorbike accident, but after four two-hour sessions with Olly over a period of a week, I’ve started to get some movement back! It’s an indescribable feeling.

The words ‘forward-thinking’ don’t even come close to describing Vicki Saunders, the woman behind SheEO. Vicki wants to change the winner takes-all philosophy of accruing wealth to one of sharing wealth around to benefit all humankind. She told us that worldwide, $1 out of every $23 goes to women, and for women of colour, the numbers are even worse. Want to be part of a change? Turn to page 28 to learn how to become an ‘activator’.

Speaking of inspiring women – on a panel at Groundswell, we ran into Anna Connell, who writes opinion pieces on topics including social matters (sports stars being forgiven for spreading messages of hate under the guise of religion) and business models (how technology can learn from art). Smart people who take the time to voice their opinions are so important for society. Not all of us are articulate enough to express how we feel about complicated or emotive matters, and there’s nothing wrong with echoing someone else’s sentiments if they do a better job than we can. I urge you to check out Anna’s clear, kind, firm thoughts online.

Three days after this issue blasts into being, daylight saving will see our evenings become light, bright toys to play with. Fill them with fun!