Join Olivia Moon (Nodi) and husband Jeremy Moon (Icebreaker, Animals Like Us) for an honest conversation about disrupting tired categories through brand, design, and commercial strategy. Drawing on their recent work launching Nodi into carpet and Jeremy’s experience building Icebreaker Clothing and Animals Like Us pet food into global category-leaders, they’ll unpack how purpose organises everything, from product and brand to business model and market positioning. Discover what it actually takes to challenge established markets, why great product is only the prerequisite, and how design thinking shapes commercial strategy. This is an essential session for anyone building something distinctive in a competitive category.

Explore the transformative role of exhibition design in connecting people to the past, present, and future. Focusing on Ngā hau a Tāwhiriangi at MOTAT’s Aviation Hall, this session reveals how architecture and visitor experience converge through deep collaboration. Discover how the integration of architects, artists, and fabricators reenergised the space, imbuing it with wairua and a deepened cultural kōrero. Learn how narrative-driven design development can breathe new life into heritage sites, creating immersive environments that go beyond mere display to foster a profound sense of identity and place.

Step into the new Muuto store on Kent St for an immersive exploration of neuroaesthetics – the intersection of neuroscience, design, and human emotion. Guided by David Mansfield, this intimate gathering delves into how our sensory and emotional responses to space shape our wellbeing and creativity. Through the lens of Muuto’s human-centred Scandinavian philosophy, we will examine how subtle shifts in colour, light, form, and texture transform how we think and feel. Discover how beauty and function converge to create environments that feel as good as they look, reimagining design as a vital catalyst for human flourishing.

Step off busy Wellesley Street into a multi-sensory passage by Hotel Grand Chancellor and discover the transformative power of nature in design. This session explores how green infrastructure shifts our cities from Concrete to Calm, using living systems as a functional, restorative design element. Experts will unpack the science behind nature-led design, highlighting how native planting contributes to human health, productivity, and connection to place. Attendees will gain practical inspiration on managing technical aspects like irrigation and maintenance, rethinking how thoughtfully designed green spaces become the glue connecting people to the heart of the city.

This session moves beyond static aesthetics to explore design longevity and resilience, addressing how architecture can genuinely support busy, imperfect lives over time. We will examine the critical shift from designing for single moments or fleeting trends to designing for “The Long Middle” – the decades where homes and spaces truly evolve. The discussion will focus on practical strategies for creating flexible, durable, and resourceful environments that absorb the chaos of real life, adapt to changing needs (family growth, aging), and quietly support the physical and emotional wellbeing of their inhabitants. Learn how to design spaces that are not just beautiful, but deeply and resiliently human.

This is an exclusive, invitation-only networking dinner hosted by Dulux, connecting 20 established industry leaders with 20 emerging designers. Focused on the disciplines of architecture, interiors, and spatial design, this intimate event embodies the “pay it forward” philosophy. Hand-selected guests will engage in targeted conversation and mentorship, fostering essential connections between generations. Attendees will enjoy a substantial roaming dinner with a complimentary drink on arrival. This is a rare, curated opportunity to invest in the next wave of Aotearoa’s design talent.

Image credits:
Stylist: Bree Banfield @breebanfield Photographer: Lisa Cohen @lisacohenphoto
Colours features: Dulux Waitiki Landing (ceiling) and Dulux Lake Camp (walls)
Artwork: Peter Summers ‘Thulium Pink, Returning Home on a Setting Sun’

Join NZDW and Presenting Partner Lexus, for an unparalleled panel of female leaders discussing design, vision, and leadership in Aotearoa. Karen Walker (fashion), Megan Wyper – ACME Cups (industrial/product), Annabel Smart – Studio 11:11 (spatial/interiors), Phoebe Devine – Previously Unavailable (brand/design/investing) and Lucy Vincent – Sans[ceuticals] (product/brand/sustainability) will share candid insights on building internationally recognised brands. Moderated by Alice Lines – Homestyle, the conversation will explore how creativity serves as a catalyst for future success, navigating the challenges of scaling from New Zealand to the world, and defining a purpose-driven, sustainable approach to business. Celebrate International Women’s Day by connecting with the women shaping our design landscape.

Director-designer Mardo El-Noor explores his journey from musician (EMI, Sony Music) to award-winning commercial director, revealing how music videos became his creative playground. Drawing on over 30 videos for artists like The Cranberries and Shapeshifter, Mardo shares his unique process: breaking down ads (like for McDonald’s and Toyota) into rhythmic structures. This cross-disciplinary talk demonstrates how visual storytellers can translate sound into structure, turning passion projects into commercial success, and proving that the fastest route to new opportunities is daring experimentation.

Join us for an exclusive evening soirée to unwind and celebrate with fellow attendees. Enjoy cocktails, conversation, and connections as we celebrate all things design with the support of Lexus, and with our special guest. This is your chance to mingle, reflect on the day’s discussions, and toast to the future of design in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. Access is included in your Design Conference ticket.

Director-designer Mardo El-Noor explores his journey from musician (EMI, Sony Music) to award-winning commercial director, revealing how music videos became his creative playground. Drawing on over 30 videos for artists like The Cranberries and Shapeshifter, Mardo shares his unique process: breaking down ads (like for McDonald’s and Toyota) into rhythmic structures. This cross-disciplinary talk demonstrates how visual storytellers can translate sound into structure, turning passion projects into commercial success, and proving that the fastest route to new opportunities is daring experimentation.