Two of Aotearoa’s most celebrated figures, Olympian Dame Valerie Adams and Black Grace founder Neil Ieremia, will headline BizFest 2025 in Porirua on 1 July.
BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae – Light up the Horizon aims to unite and inspire local entrepreneurs and professionals with discussions on economic challenges, innovation, and resilience in today’s business climate.
Dame Valerie, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and global icon in athletics, will share insights from her decorated career and current advocacy roles. Her involvement in high-performance sport and community work positions her as a beacon of perseverance and leadership.
“Someone like Dame Valerie will add immense value to BizFest,” said Porirua Mayor Anita Baker. “She is someone who has demonstrated perseverance, discipline and an amazing work ethic, prioritising health and wellbeing, and commitment to helping others.”
Joining her is Cannons Creek-born Neil Ieremia, the internationally acclaimed choreographer behind Black Grace. Ieremia’s journey from banking to building a globally celebrated dance company exemplifies bold risk-taking and cultural storytelling.
“Neil was rightly inducted into our Hall of Fame at Te Rauparaha Arena in 2022,” said Mayor Baker. “He is a local who has gone on to impressive heights around the world and will have a beautiful and authentic story to tell.”
BizFest promises to be a powerful platform for connection, inspiration, and a celebration of Porirua’s talent on both the national and global stage.