Raising the Bar Christchurch 2023

Raising The Bar

In September 2023, Raising the Bar and the University of Canterbury presented 20 talks across 10 venues in Christchurch, turning the city into a hub of ideas and lively discussion for one unforgettable night. Whether you were there and want to relive the experience or couldn’t make it, the recordings are now available for everyone to enjoy.

  1. 06/11/2025

    Saving the Kea From Tourists - By Girish Prayag & Richard Aquino

    In this episode, explore the unintended consequences of human-wildlife interactions with a focus on the kea, one of Aotearoa’s most beloved native birds. While feeding birds or snapping a photo on a hike may seem harmless, these encounters are putting kea at risk. Learn how tourism and well-meaning behaviour can harm wildlife—and what changes we need to make to help protect this curious, charismatic species for generations to come.

    48 min

  2. 06/11/2025

    Why Inflation Is Like Toothpaste - By Stephen Hickson

    In this episode, explore the return of inflation with economist Stephen as he unpacks why rising prices matter more than we remember. For a generation used to stable or falling costs, inflation feels like a relic of the past—but it's back, and it’s proving tough to tame. Learn how inflation starts, why it’s so damaging, and what it takes to get it under control—and yes, why it’s a lot like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube.

    1h 5m

  3. 06/11/2025

    “But I Didn’t Do It”: It Is Possible to Rehabilitate Those Who Deny - By Jayson Ware

    In this episode, delve into the complex psychology of denial with forensic psychologist Dr Stephen Ware. Why do some individuals convicted of sexual offences continue to claim innocence—even if it means missing out on rehabilitation or serving longer sentences? Dr Ware explores what denial really means, whether it increases the risk of reoffending, and how rehabilitation can still be possible—even for those who insist there's nothing to change.

    50 min

  4. 06/11/2025

    Learning to Live with Trolls - By Ekant Veer

    In this episode, unpack the complex world of online trolling with Professor Veer. While trolling is often linked to bullying, abuse, and hate, not all trolls are destructive—some even use their tactics to build communities and spark social change. Explore the different types of trolls, what drives their behaviour, and what we can do to combat the harmful while understanding the unexpected role trolling can sometimes play in society.

    59 min

  5. 06/11/2025

    How to Change the World - By Sacha McMeeking - Kāi Tahu

    In this episode, explore why efforts to create positive social change often fall short with Associate Professor of Māori Wellbeing, Sacha McMeeking. Despite billions spent, real impact remains slow—and Sacha argues it's because we keep funding approaches that don’t deliver. Through powerful examples, she challenges us to rethink how change is designed and offers bold ideas for achieving deeper, faster, and more meaningful transformation.

    37 min

  6. 06/11/2025

    Stop Telling Bad Stories - By Chelsea Rapp

    In this episode, discover why storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools for modern innovation. From advertising to social media, we use stories to connect, persuade, and make sense of the world—but in an age obsessed with data, the art of storytelling is often overlooked. Learn how mastering the way you tell a story can make your message more engaging, relatable, and unforgettable.

    59 min

  7. 06/11/2025

    Plugged In & Logged On – Growing Up in the Digital Age - By Cheryl Brown and Kathryn MacCallum

    In this episode, explore how digital technology is reshaping the lives of young people with Cheryl Brown and Kathryn MacCallum, co-Directors of the Digital Education Futures Lab. As the line between online and offline blurs, they unpack the complex digital realities young people inhabit today. Learn how we can better support the next generation as they navigate a constantly shifting digital world—connected, yet often disconnected.

    55 min

  8. 06/11/2025

    “I’m Not Racist, but...” Understanding Racism & Anti-racism - By Mahdis Azarmandi

    In this episode, unpack what we really mean when we talk about racism—and what it takes to truly be anti-racist. This talk dives into the complexities of race, the challenges of discussing racism openly, and the difference between awareness and action. Explore why anti-racism demands more than good intentions, and how confronting white supremacy requires tangible steps to dismantle the systems that uphold it.

    1h 2m
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About

In September 2023, Raising the Bar and the University of Canterbury presented 20 talks across 10 venues in Christchurch, turning the city into a hub of ideas and lively discussion for one unforgettable night. Whether you were there and want to relive the experience or couldn’t make it, the recordings are now available for everyone to enjoy.

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