DayBreak – Festival of Innovation is returning to light up Tauranga City on February 25 with a full line-up of speakers and sessions.

Hosted by Western Bay of Plenty’s economic development agency Priority One, the ticketed event will be held at the University of Waikato’s Tauranga Campus in the CBD.

Renowned futurist Melissa Clark-Reynolds is the keynote speaker, and other wide-ranging sessions will cover topics such as startup secrets from founders, AI, intrapreneurship, how to grow a competitive business, and brand tools for influencing behaviour.

Priority One innovation manager Shane Stuart said the covers innovation in all its forms, from new products and communications to organisational and system change, and is relevant to people in a broad range of roles, including startups and tech companies, marketing, professional services and public sector.

“Not just about inspiration, DayBreak is designed to equip attendees with the tools, tactics and insights they can put into play immediately,” Stuart said.

“This year’s theme is Make Shift Happen – we want to enable meaningful change and fast-track everyone’s 2026 success.”

Priority One works to create a prosperous, sustainable and future-ready regional economy, Stuart said. “Tauranga Moana is a fast-growing innovation hub, and DayBreak aims to accelerate that momentum through connection. It’s a day where people can cross-pollinate ideas with innovators, business leaders and change-makers across Tauranga Moana.”

For more information, tickets, visit: daybreakfestival.nz