With a number of events already sold-out, the region is set to buzz again when Groundswell Festival of Innovation kicks off again in just over two weeks.

'We've seen a massive appetite from the community over the last two years for Groundswell events - so we've extended the festival by a week to include space for more events and people and avoid event clashes, says Nigel Tutt, CEO of Priority One, founding sponsor of the festival.

From food to sport, to engineering, to technology, to art, the local community has the chance to hear from game-changing start-up founders, cutting-edge social entrepreneurs, leading sports scientists, technology experts battling international trends and international chefs.

'It's not just about technology: innovation is something everyone can get on board with. It's being open to thinking differently and trying new things. It's about embracing a culture where people are encouraged to look at old things in new ways and be open to trial and error, and have a go,” says Nigel.

'We're showcasing local innovation leaders, and also bringing cutting edge innovation experts from around the world to Tauranga. Alongside local and international talent we'll hear from national innovation leaders like Erik Hay, creative director from Weta Workshop and Ezel Kocku, founder of Passphere and recently nominated as one of EY's Entrepreneur of the Year finalists.”

'We've already started selling-out of tickets to events, so I'd encourage people who have their eye on something to get cracking,” says festival director Linday Faris.