Libby Hakaraia's talk at Ngā Wāhi Auaha Creative Spaces Conference 2024 unpacked the value of storytelling in connecting with people and motivating change. She shared her experiences at Māoriland, where she has seen audiences moved to tears, sitting in silence long after the credits, standing in solidarity, and elderly Pākehā apologising for past injustices they were unaware of. "The activation of audiences is the fuel for all storytellers, including myself," she says.

Libby Hakaraia is the Managing Director and Festival Director at Māoriland Charitable Trust, with a background in journalism and documentary making. She has produced globally recognised films, including "Cousins" and "Kōkā," and led the NATIVE Slam film challenge. Libby founded the Māoriland Film Festival and the Māoriland Center of Excellence in Film and Creative Arts. She has received several awards, including the Women in Film and Television Entrepreneur award and the Mita Merata Fellowship from the Sundance Institute.