Mihi Whakatau / Welcome to Auckland Startup Week 2026
12 October 2026
- Activations
To launch Auckland Startup Week 2026, we warmly invite you to join our Mihi Whakatau, as we welcome our manuhiri (guests) arriving in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland from across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond.
This special opening event welcomes founders, investors, innovators, business leaders, and ecosystem supporters to celebrate connection, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit that runs deep in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Hosted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Auckland Council, the Mihi Whakatau is an opportunity to come together, recognise the significance of place, and officially kick off a week of inspiring conversations, learning, and innovation.
Agenda:
8:00am – Arrival and guest seating
8:10am – Welcome from Rōpata Pāora, Toi Whātua Chief Cultural Officer for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
8:20am – Welcome from Mayor Wayne Brown, Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland Council
8:30am – Mihi Whakatau concludes and the Impactful Innovation Conference commences.
We appreciate your attendance and look forward to welcoming you to Auckland Startup Week 2026 and a week-long festival of events celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact.
Free
Speakers
Wayne Brown
Mayor at Auckland Council
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown was born and raised in Auckland, where he was educated at Auckland Grammar and obtained a civil engineering degree from the University of Auckland. He is a qualified engineer and businessman with an extensive background in infrastructure and construction.
In 2025, Aucklanders returned Mayor Wayne Brown to office to finish the fix on Auckland's physical resilience, ensuring our infrastructure and landscapes are ready for tomorrow. He is also putting a sharper focus on strengthening the future financial resilience of this gorgeous city of ours, driven by a vision for an efficient, green city that is open for business.
Venue
GridAKL / John Lysaght
101 Pakenham Street West, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland 1010
GridAKL / John Lysaght is more than just a workspace — it's a thriving community of visionaries, innovators and change-makers. GridAKL is home to a diverse mix of startups and small businesses working together to create solutions that make a difference.