Previous seminars highlighted storytelling from authors, artists, and environmentalists with deep connections to the island. Photo / SIBI
Small Island Big Ideas (SIBI) is set to return with an expanded vision for 2024, aiming to look beyond local horizons to address some of Aotea’s pressing issues. The upcoming program, spearheaded by Tim Higham and his team, will connect with other small islands worldwide to exchange innovative ideas and solutions.
In previous years, the seminar featured individuals with ties to the island, including authors, artists, environmentalists, and those with whakapapa connections. Notable exceptions included figures like Kennedy Warne, co-founder of NZ Geographic magazine, who contributed a broader perspective.
“For its next iteration, SIBI has set a bold intention to be in communication with other small islands around the world whose unique ‘big idea’ has created a social and economic reset for the community,” said Tim Higham.
This year, the focus will shift to learning from other islands that have successfully tackled social, economic, and environmental challenges similar to those faced by Aotea. The organizers are eager to see how these exchanges might inspire local initiatives and perhaps even allow Aotea to share its own successes.
“We are curious about how other islands do it and seek to be inspired and perhaps ourselves inspire others to foster an off-grid lifestyle like our own,” Higham added.
The SIBI team invites anyone who knows of small islands making significant strides in community development to get in touch and contribute to this global conversation. As the event looks to broaden its scope, the hope is that these new connections will bring fresh perspectives and solutions to the unique challenges faced by Aotea.
For more information or to share your ideas, reach out to Tim, Sandy, and Bree at the Small Island, Big Ideas Team via email: tim@smallislandbigideas.co.nz
