Andre Afamasaga convening a webinar on conversion practices
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What people say about my speaking

  • “Andre's MCing was great - gentle, funny, incredibly honouring of all of the presenters, as well as clearly showing that he'd paid detailed attention to each one - and was able to seamlessly summarise key concepts, issues, and relevancies back to the audience. This is a skill that few MCs do well … "

    Conference organiser - Government/community sectors (Health focus)

  • "If you’re looking for a keynote speaker that can keep you on the edge of your seat, deliver meaningful content in an engaging and humorous way then look no further. As a recipient of one of Andre’s most recent kōrero I highly recommend..."

    Conference attendee of a large government agency where Andre did keynote talk on "Lived experience"

  • "Your ability to effortlessly engage with the audience and bring some humour to your topic was inspiring, and is why you rated as one of the top speakers of the conference."

    CARN 2023 - a large cross-government agency diversity conference organising comittee

  • Andre is a skilled facilitator who uses his excellent people skills and understanding of anti-racism and Rainbow Rights to bring out the best in all who take part. Andre brings self-awareness, empathy, kindness, and humour to his role as a facilitator. He is skilled at active listening and his thoughtful manner enables those involved to feel ownership of the process. I highly recommend Andre, particularly if you are seeking assistance in leading/facilitating a conversation about equity, inclusion and belonging.

    a National Human Rights Institution

  • “One of the most notable aspects of the conference was the presence of two outstanding keynote speakers: the Honourable Jan Tinetti, serving as the Minister of Education, and Andre Afamasaga… Andre's keynote speech was powerful and thought-provoking… What struck me the most during the conference was Andre's emphasis on the infinite worth of every individual…”

    School Principal/delegate at the 20A3 Association of Integrated Schools Conference, in school newsletter

  • ”Andre offered lived experience authenticity, and show cased a range of risk factors that many might not get to hear about. [He] tackled sensitive subjects with compassion, vulnerability and challenges”

    Feedback on keynote talk at large conference

  • "Andre was a great MC, he kept the day flowing nicely, his comments after different presentations were on point & nice to hear, his humour kept everybody in tune with the day & it was obvious he knew what he was talking about."

    Conference evaluation form feedback

  • "Andre, just looking through the evaluations. Here are comments on your facilitation: Good facilitation; What worked well? Andre; What worked well? Andre’s personality and delivery of the hui; I think the facilitator was incredible; Andre was a great MC Great facilitator!"

    Email from conference organiser (Government/community sector; Mental health topic)

  • "Andre Afamasaga’s impeccable balance of professionalism and entertainment elevated the event to another level, creating a polished and engaging atmosphere that left attendees thoroughly impressed with the conference."

    Government agency, Judiciary focus

  • “Andre had an amazing energy and story-telling”

    Conference evaluation on Andre’s keynote talk

  • “Andre’s talk was super engaging and didn’t feel scripted either”

    Conference evaluation on Andre’s keynote talk

  • "Dear Andre, just want to say a huge thank you. You've exceeded my expectations - but why am I surprised. The audience loved you!!! You connected with them - you are just the perfect Conference speaker! With your permission I would like to recommend your name to my counterparts across the country. I loved how you shared sooooo many personal stories. You were so real. "

  • "...having organised many events over the years, I'd have to say Andre is one of the best I've seen. Let's keep using him for all future seminars!"

    Conference organising committee member

  • “A fantastic MC who takes the time to understand the organisation/business and its audience in particular.”

  • "...It’s been a while since I’ve left a presentation feeling motivated to do and be better. Ngā mihi nui ki koe e hoa."

  • “It was a delight having you host our conference, your presence lifted the occasion and gave it polish and glam.”

    Government/Justice/Judiciary sector

  • "Andre, you are a powerful speaker. My heart was warmed that you connected across generations. To see the volunteers crammed under the gazebo to listen to you - they could've just been hanging outside. Thank you for coming, for sharing your life, for being authentic. Loved the humour, your message was more powerful, challenging and captivating."

  • “Andre where do I start.... we wanted to get back in touch with you to say a massive THANK YOU for your huge contribution… We could not have been happier with how this day turned out and the experience and energy that was created in the room. We really want to acknowledge the critical role that you played and the fact that without YOU...the conference would not have been as successful as it was and so we really can't thank you enough. We are so grateful for your generosity, support and willingness to be involved as our amazing MC.”

  • Andre has been such a gift to our organization. He presents in a way that is loving and gentle, breaking down barriers and bringing people together (rather than pushing people further apart). Andre has supported growth for our staff in many different ways. His presentation style is funny and grace-filled, and he weaves personal stories into what he shares. We 100% recommend Andre, especially to Christian organizations – wherever you’re at on your own journey, Andre will have something to offer you.

    Christian Youth organisation NZ

Inspiring people to be and to do better, through speaking

“I’m an ex-preacher turned human rights advocate. Regardless of my job or context, I’ve always loved speaking about complex societal issues in a way that inspires, challenges, and motivates people towards positive action.

I know I am living my purpose when I make audiences think, laugh, and then inspired to be and do better.

I've spoken in front of many people -- from Prime Ministers and MPs, to 'at-risk' young people, to youth workers, at Women's Conferences, Men’s Wellbeing conferences, government agency meetings and team away days, to School Principal gatherings, and guest lectures at universities -- Regardless of background, I aim to connect, educate and inspire.

In 2023, I presented at seven conferences internationally and domestically, over half of these were keynote talks. I would love to speak to your event this year. "

My professional experience as a MC, host, convenor

For more than 20 years, I’ve facilitated, Master of Ceremonies (MC, emceed), officiated, and hosted conferences, events, webinars, and workshops for the following organisations and events (a sample):

  • Prime Ministers Youth Awards at NZ Parliament x3

  • Te Kahui Tika Tangata | Human Rights Commission;

  • Covey Leadership (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People) for IBM New Zealand;

  • The Office of the Chief Justice (Ministry of Justice);

  • Ministry of Social Development;

  • Ministry of Health;

  • Ministry of Pacific Peoples;

  • Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment;

  • NZ Police;

  • Te Hiringa Hauora | Health Promotion Agency;

  • YMCA NZ;

  • NZ Heart Foundation;

  • plus multiple large community events such as Awards Shows, Graduation Ceremonies, Polyfests, Fundraisers, church events and more,

  • and not to mention, private events such as weddings, graduations, farewells and birthdays.

I will also MC DECULT 2024 - the first cult awareness conference in Australasia, in October in Christchurch. As part of my advocacy for social cohesion, I agreed to be involved in this conference, the more I saw survivors of religious abuse and cults, in my work around conversion practices, as well as observing the Royal Commission in Historic Abuse in State Care hearings. I hope religious leaders will engage in this conference, to help prevent cult-like behaviours from taking root within their respective settings.

Book me for a keynote

Now that I am working for myself, I have more time and greater scope and lattitude to speak on the issues I am passionate about, such as:

  • Wellbeing — how to bring your whole self to work, while also getting the work done, and protecting yourself!

  • Social Cohesion (the importance of nuanced approaches to solving conflict in one of the most divisive times in recent history; and related topics such as inequality, and mis/ disinformation).

  • Intersection of LGBTIQ+ rights and religion/religious beliefs

  • Race relations and Racism

  • Why Lived Experience matters - from an organisational, societal perspective (for managers and organisations), and individual perspective (tips to stay sane and safe!)

  • Inclusion, Equity and Diversity

  • Human Rights

  • Income inequality including the Pacific Pay Gap

  • Youth Development & Justice

  • Matters of interest to Pacific, ethnic and migrant groups

  • Faith, religious, Christian topics (sermons, workshops, small group discussions)

  • Motivational talks

  • Addiction (Alcoholism & Sobriety - see my Stuff National Portrait)

My style is to weave in personal stories, humour and inspiration, among evidence-based research, and sociological and current events as examples to stimulate discussion and reflection.

Andre giving a keynote at CARN 2023 Conference on “Faith, culture & family - When protective factors become risk factors for conversion practices survivors”. [Start at 12:23]
Andre speaking at the Best of the Best Designers Speak talks, on Voice of Racism on behalf of the Human Rights Commission. [Start at 03:02] 

Andre on the  'Ending Conversion Practices: A Global Conversation'  panel  at World Pride Human Rights Conference. [Start at 42:11] 
Andre being interviewed for TV by Moana Maniapoto for the Manly Sea Eagles Pride Jersey saga for Te Ao with Moana

FAQs about how to book me:

  • In short, yes. While I have set rates, fees are based on any combination of the following:

    • Your budget (equity with other main presenters)

    • Preparation time (how much research will be required for the drafting of the talk; learning about your intended objectives and outcomes)

    • Actual time required to speak or MC

    • Logistical preparation

    If a payment or a speaking fee is not possible, but covering travel and accomodation expenses are, please reach out.

  • Yes. Travel plans can be discussed when booking a talk/MC engagement. Organisers should consider travel and accommodation etc at the time of booking.

  • Yes, I do and have done many online events. However, depending on the nature and topic, there may be some limitations on the types of content and desired outcomes due to the non-in person format. Preparation time for talks do not differ between in-person and online events.

  • After I am approached to speak, MC or host, I ask for 1-2 meetings with organisers to understand intended objectives and outcomes, as well as information about the audience and organisational culture. After that, we stay in touch via email. After the event, I am able to meet for debriefs if needed.