No.8 Re-charged

A native of Whanganui, David began his working life as an actor, writer, comedian and co-founder (with Jon and others) of The Classic Comedy & Bar in Auckland. He left this behind to start a second career in IT, which he stuck with for nearly 20 years, including a stint living and working for Microsoft in Asia. David's strong interest in innovative companies, and his pride in New Zealand, lead him back to Aotearoa and his third career at government agency New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, where he helps local businesses grow internationally.

David lives in Devonport, Auckland, with his TV producer wife Katherine and his three fast-growing boys Jack, Joshua and Toby.

Dr Michelle Dickinson MNZM is a passionate engineering researcher and educator who is fascinated by the ways copying nature through biomimetics can be used to create engineering solutions for today’s challenges. Through her nanotechnology research and passion for making science more accessible, she created the character Nanogirl, a smart female role model designed to help engage young people with science and technology. As an academic at the University of Auckland and a regular science and technology television commentator, Michelle has become a well-known face in New Zealand, advocating for science and engineering.