After facing her own mental health challenges, Abby is using her TEDx talk to challenge the idea that “being strong” means staying silent. She believes mental health is a shared responsibility and that real change begins now, through how we talk, listen, and support one another. Abby Plom is a seventeen-year-old student at Pākuranga College in Tāmaki Makaurau, where she is also proud to be Head Girl. She is the Chairperson of her local Youth Council, a football player, and someone who loves forcing her friends to care about politics, and curling up with a cup of tea and a good book.But amidst all that, she was also quietly dealing with her own mental health struggles and grief. And through it all, she kept being told the same thing: “Be strong.”There’s this illusion that “being strong” is always helpful — but often, it’s just another way we push people to stay silent. Another way we avoid sitting with discomfort. Another way we make people carry their pain alone. That’s why Abby is stepping onto the TEDx stage — to challenge the belief that mental health is a personal burden. It’s not. It’s a collective responsibility, and we all have a role to play in creating a culture where support is second nature, not a last resort. This message ties directly into this year’s TEDx theme, “The Power of Now.” Because change doesn’t start someday — it starts right now, with how we talk, listen, and show up for each other. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

With Egyptian whakapapa and roots in Dunedin, Jomana is passionate about creating access to learning and opportunity for all, especially rangatahi. Jomana is a second-year university student studying law and politics at Ōtākou Whakaiku Waka | University of Otago. She is passionate about access to opportunity and learning for all people, especially for rangatahi. Her whakapapa is Egyptian, and she was raised in Ōtepoti, Dunedin. Among other things, she loves writing, learning and music, but she loves all those things more when she gets to share them with people. She is excited to speak on this year’s theme and to connect with other incredible speakers. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Aarthi explores how Artificial Intelligence is transforming the future of work while reminding us that purpose remains a uniquely human strength. She highlights that true progress comes from motivation, creativity, and innovation driven by meaning. Aarthi urges young people to harness “The Power of Now” by creating purposeful opportunities and shaping their own futures. Aarthi Candadai is a passionate youth advocate, changemaker, and storyteller dedicated to creating spaces where young people can lead, be heard, and drive meaningful change.As the 2024 Lead Organiser of TEDxYouth@Paparangi, she led a team of young people to platform diverse voices and spark conversations that matter. She currently serves as Head Student at Newlands College, Youth MP for Ōhāriu, Podcast Host at Voice of Aroha, and a Wellington City Youth Councillor, working to bring youth perspectives into decision-making spaces. Aarthi is the Founder of Youth 4 Climate Action NZ and Community and Events Manager for Gen Z Aotearoa, supporting rangatahi-led initiatives across Aotearoa. Her work spans youth advocacy, climate action, and intergenerational collaboration, grounded in the belief that young people aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow, they’re the leaders of today. In her TEDx talk 'The Burnout Pandemic', Aarthi explores how young people are increasingly defining their worth by how much they do, rather than who they are. She challenges the pressure to constantly achieve and opens up a conversation about what it means to thrive in a culture that glorifies burnout." This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Qiana Ram draws strength from her experiences growing up in both Muslim and Hindu communities. Despite facing criticism about her identity, she uses it to drive her ambitions and passion for intercultural communication. Qiana believes in harnessing the Power of Now to bridge ideas and cultures, creating meaningful and lasting impact. Qiana Ram is a law and global studies student at Te Herenga Waka. Growing up with both Muslim and Hindu Backgrounds, she’s faced extreme criticism about her being and identity, but she takes this as an opportunity to fuel further ambitions. She’s truly passionate about intercultural communication and the power we all subconsciously hold, especially in the Power of Now. She believes we should seize the moment to bridge ideas and cultures to create a lasting and needed impact. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Lewis Brown aims to inspire others to make meaningful changes in their lives and routines. Lewis Brown is a Year 12 student at Rongotai College. He serves as a volunteer coordinator and SADD representative, where he has led countless sessions with non-profit organisations and workshops regarding car safety for younger students about to receive their licenses. He is passionate about sports, mathematics, and advocacy. Outside school, you can usually find him swimming, surfing or playing water polo. He’s excited to inspire others to make changes to their lives and their schedules through his talk, and he hopes to pass on advice to help them throughout the rest of their lives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

What if thinking like a founder isn’t just for entrepreneurs? In this thought-provoking talk, Victoria Romeo explores the mindset behind innovation, resilience, and ownership — and how adopting it can transform the way you approach your career, relationships, and everyday challenges. Supporting the wellbeing of unpaid carers | Award-Winning Founder & Social Entrepreneur | TedX Speaker & Startup Mentor | Enterprise Sales & Business Growth Leader This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx