On the 125th anniversary of the day NZ’s parliament voted for women to be allowed a voice, wāhine in the arts gather to talk, debate and dig deep into some of the issues facing us in contemporary Aotearoa.

Be inspired and stimulated by panels made up of fearless, feisty and opinionated voices discussing diverse and sometimes difficult subjects with humour, humility and aroha for all.

Book a ticket for the morning, afternoon or evening talks, or select an all-day pass and save $15 by attending the full Speak Up! line-up. You’ll come away uplifted and engaged.

 

All talks are Sign Language Interpreted. Scroll down for more information on how to book.

 

The paradox of modern parenthood is that women can do anything, and so are expected to do everything, and to do it well: to have a career, to be a mother, to be a daughter, to be a conscious citizen of the world. 

This balancing act is both idealised and trivialised, and there is no right or wrong way to navigate the challenges. 

Join our panelists as they unpick the myths of women ‘having it all’ in Aotearoa.

‘You can have it all, just not all at the same time’ ― Betty Friedan,writer and feminist

We need to be having courageous conversations about consent and the impact of the abuse of power with our children, in our communities and with each other. But how do we start?

Join a panel of experts from the creative industries and psychology and social health fields to look at creative ways to tackle these important and challenging discussions. 

‘I raise up my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard...we cannot succeed when half of us are held back’ ―Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Laureate

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, eighty-two women participated in a striking red-carpet protest to press for improved gender equality in the film industry, particularly in leadership and governance. It highlights just one of the creative industries where women are still under-represented. 

Join our panelists for an uncompromising look at where our creative industries are falling behind, and what can be done to bring about change. 

 ‘Feminism always gets associated with being a radical movement – good. It should be’ – Ellen Page, actor

Today’s young artists and thinkers are the voices and faces of Aotearoa’s arts landscape of the future. 

What do they envisage for gender equality, diversity and the kinds of victories they want to be celebrating in the years ahead? Join our panel of uncompromising young creatives as they discuss what suffrage and feminism means to them, and the challenges they face now and in the future to ensure an equality-driven environment. 

‘I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass’ – Maya Angelou, poet

Auckland Council presents an evening with Aotearoa’s leading women musicians, in conversation with Karyn Hay.  

Mixing live music performances and discussion on creating positive futures for wāhine in the industry, be a part of this groundbreaking event in which women laugh and sing their way to a new future for our female artists.

'Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinions of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth' - Katherine Mansfield, writer 

All talks are sign language interpreted.

During the talks, a trained interpreter will interpret the script using New Zealand Sign Language. Seats are general admission, but an area near the stage will be reserved for SLI patrons in order to ensure clear sight-lines to the interpreter.

To book, click here and enter the offer code SIGNED where indicated. 

To book over the phone, please call the Ticketmaster Group Booking line on 09 970 9745, or email groups@ticketmaster.co.nz A $5 service fee per transaction applies if booking over the phone or email.