MEDIACOM-RELEASE-INTERNATIONAL-CONFERENC
TOP BRAINS COMING TO NEW ZEALAND FOR THINKTANK
Some of the world's biggest and best-known brains will be in New Zealand in January 2001 for an international conference
on thinking, which organisers hope will provide impetus for our knowledge-based future.
Internationally-acclaimed thinkers such as Edward de Bono, Peter Senge author of the bestselling book The Fifth
Discipline) and Sandra Witelson, best known for her role in researching the brain of Albert Einstein, are among 100
international and local thinkers confirmed to speak at the Ninth International Conference on Thinking to be held at the
Aotea Centre in Auckland.
They will be joined by the best New Zealand has to offer in the fields of sport, health, culture, business, politics,
education and science including worldwide CEO of ideas company Saatchi and Saatchi, Kevin Roberts, former Prime Minister
David Lange, Sir Edmund Hillary and poet and writer C. K. Stead. Featured presentations will include those by James
Watson, scientist and chief executive of the genetic Research Company Genesis, James Buwalda, chief executive of the
Ministry of Research, Science and Technology, educator Dame Marie Clay and sports and businesswoman Dame Susan Devoy.
The theme for the 2001 conference is `Breakthroughs' and will focus on creating breakthrough ways of thinking.
Conference Convener, Lexie Grudnoff says this is the first time the conference - to which speakers donate their time
free of charge - has been held in New Zealand and is a significant honour for the country.
"The multi-disciplinary nature of the conference is one of its most exciting aspects," she says.
"This conference is unique because it draws together people from different areas to share breakthrough ideas. It offers
a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity for New Zealanders to meet leading international thinkers and to showcase New Zealand
talent across a number of areas.
"We hope this conference will provide a real stimulus for our knowledge society and will catapult many of our very good
thinkers into remarkable thinkers."
The conference, from January 15 - 19, 2001, is being hosted in New Zealand by the Auckland College of Education.
ENDS
MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THINKING