Tonic Conference 2024

MC extraordinaire

As a trained lawyer, Paul has done everything but practise law. He’s worked in government, managed and chaired community organisations and co-led a collaboration consulting firm. In all these experiences, he noticed that many people struggled to connect, engage and collaborate. Now he works with leaders who want to create an inclusive environment for high performance. Paul recently recorded the last episode of his podcast Beyond Consultation and is now working on his next book Leading Questions. He writes a popular weekly newsletter and shares free resources at www.paulmcgregor.co.nz. When Paul’s around, expect lots of curious questions, a few stories, a laugh and a smile – especially when the conversation is a difficult one. 

From Doom & Gloom to Hope & Optimism

Sue Kohn-Taylor is the founder of The Mental Fitness Company, known for her passion for life and unwavering optimism. A dedicated advocate of personal growth, Sue’s philosophy is grounded in mental and emotional fitness and finding silver linings in every challenge. With extensive experience in 1:1’s, group coaching and workshop training, Sue’s relatable and practical approach has earned her recognition in New Zealand, Australia, and internationally. Sue is a familiar face on television, a respected columnist, and a sought-after speaker.  In 2024 Sue won a Silver award at the Women Changing the Worlds Awards in London, presented by the Duchess of York. She observes that life in its current form, is causing us to be more stressed and anxious. We have complicated what it is to be human, interacting in a modern complex world! Sue is dedicated to helping others cultivate their optimal selves and create a positive impact on the world around them.

The power of storytelling

Rachel Klaver loves a good story. Especially if it’s going to help you get the attention of the right people. She’s worked with over a thousand small businesses and organisations helping them with marketing strategy and content marketing coaching. She’s the author of 28 books, with her more recent one Be a Spider, Build a Web detailing how to build an effective content marketing strategy. Her podcast Confident Content helps small business owners work out how to create content that attracts, and converts their ideal clients. 

Exploring Wills and Bequests

Fiona’s passion is helping community groups develop the skills and knowledge that will help their associations grow and prosper while increasing the connection and satisfaction of members. Fiona enjoys using the myriad of skills she had developed over her career to make a positive difference within communities. After leaving Banking and spending more than a decade studying and working in fundraising, specialising in the bequest and major donor space, Fiona saw the potential to make a significant difference at the grassroots level. With the knowledge of bequest giving being a game changer for regional organisations, sports clubs, community groups, churches and schools Fiona wanted to make this information available to them.

Turn up your happiness thermostat

Helena is an experienced facilitator with a formal qualification in B.Com(Hons) Organisational Psychology and additional certifications, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, Certified Coach through the International Coaching Community (ICC), Crucial Conversation Facilitator and Certified Happy For No Reason® Trainer. Drawing upon over 20 years of experience in the Learning, Performance, and Organisational Development field within the corporate world, Helena is a skilled facilitator who has supported leaders’ and teams’ development in large and complex organisations in both the private and government funded space. She has a specialist background in the field of organisational performance, having led various performance projects. Her own journey, from career-mom burnout, the challenge of an international move with her family and sudden job loss, led her to embrace the transformative Happy for No Reason® programme. Today, Helena is dedicated to helping others enhance their happiness, development and overall well-being through impactful Workshops and Coaching.

Social media strategies for community organisations

Leeann is the owner of Face UP Now – Social Media Consultant, based in Tauranga. Leeann, who has 23 years teaching experience, helps organisations to grow their online presence through social media. She runs workshops and private coaching to empower people to gain the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to be successful using social media. Leeann is passionate about helping people to realise that succeeding with social media isn’t too difficult and giving them the tools to feel confident.

Megan is a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm with more than  24 years’ experience in facilitation and developing, designing and delivering training programs. She has worked with people in corporate, government and Not-For-Profit organisations all over the world. Community and Not-For-Profit organisations are her passion, working with people who make a real, positive difference in their communities. Megan focuses on supporting community and non-profit organisations at the business end of what they do. She has a real knack for delivering useful information in an engaging way, she will make you laugh and think, but most of all she will give you practical tools you can easily implement in your organisation

Accommodation fills up fast in popular New Plymouth, so it’s a good idea to book your room at the same time as you purchase your conference ticket. There are also a few events, the Taranaki Garden Festival, the Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival, the Sustainable Backyards Tour and the Taranaki Arts Trail, and happening at the same time that you can stay and enjoy

Plymouth International phone 0800 800 597 or email reservations@plymouth.co.nz – only a limited number of rooms are available. 

Auto Lodge Motor Inn (across the road from the venue) phone 0800 800 896 or visit autolodge.co.nz.

Parkside Motel and Apartments (1.7km from venue) visit parksideapartments.co.nz or phone 06 757 5763