IDYP: Launch Event

The IDYP Launch Event (held at the generously donated Tech Cafe of GridAKL) included a World Café discussion on the future of international development in New Zealand. Three rounds of discussion helped groups focus in on this overall question with guided discussion on current engagement, emerging trends and needs, and New Zealand’s transition to meet emerging needs and realities.

The event started with some casual networking and an opportunity to meet the Table Hosts: Aaron Davy, CID; Georgina Roberts, MFAT; Jo Nicholson, Social Value Aotearoa; Margaret Taylor, Amnesty International NZ; Shona Jennings, ChildFund; Steven O’Donnell, PwC; Rachel Le Mesurier, Oxfam NZ; Tricia Fitzgerald, Social Enterprise Auckland; and Yvonne Underhill-Sem, University of Auckland.  They generously offered their breadth of knowledge for the discussion.

Participants were able to enjoy some free drinks donated by Karma Cola and Good Karma Specialty Coffee, as well as a donation-based bar (We saw several people ducking to the bar during discussion to grab just one more delicious ginger soda by Karma Cola!).

The discussion was engaging and incredibly energizing. At the end of rounds, participants struggled to pull themselves away from tables, and only a few seconds into the next round, they were 110% engaged again.

When the three rounds ended and we pulled the group back together, group themes very quickly started forming. Phoebe (IDYP Vice Chair) & Siobhan (Communications & Awareness Co-Chair) scrambled to jot down all the ideas flowing from around the room (See the attached notes for the full conversation!).

For the IDYP board, this was an exciting confirmation that this network is indeed necessary and left us wanting to do more to connect the community. The discussion from this event will certainly be used to create further opportunities for young professionals to expand their networks, build knowledge and share/develop ideas. If you haven’t already, join us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or our mailing list: idyp.nz@gmail.com, and keep an eye out for upcoming events!