MENTORS
Mentors at Startup Weekend are the guiding force that helps teams turn ideas into reality. With their industry knowledge, entrepreneurial experience, and problem-solving expertise, they provide invaluable advice, challenge assumptions, and help teams navigate obstacles. Whether it’s refining a business model, validating an idea, or perfecting a pitch, mentors bring clarity and direction when it matters most. More than just advisors, they are catalysts for learning, growth, and confidence, empowering teams to push boundaries and take their ideas further.
Emelie Verseput
Emelie is a community manager in the NZ startup ecosystem with a background of working in entrepreneurship support, an accelerator & fund, VC and early-stage startups.
She can support teams at Startup Weekend Tauranga with their marketing strategy, communication, social media, gathering data and feedback to validate their idea, and getting teams prepared to pitch.
She is a certified breathwork and meditation practitioner and has a passion for bringing these wellbeing tools to our local communities.
Colart Miles
Colart is a seasoned Startup Weekend mentor with a proven track record in product development and innovation. He authored the Driving Innovation program in 2016, led the delivery of the award-winning Air NZ Mobile App, and played a key role in Serato’s rise to global success. He currently leads the team behind OPAL3, a sophisticated management reporting tool used by local government.
With 15 years of leadership in the local startup ecosystem, Colart brings deep expertise in Agile, product strategy, and high-performance teams. We’re excited to have him as our Lead Mentor this year.
Jacopo Orazi
Jacopo Orazi is a soil health and sustainability specialist helping land managers, iwi, and agribusinesses restore soil biodiversity and transition to regenerative practices. As the founder of Radice Soil Solutions, he develops practical strategies to improve soil function, reduce synthetic inputs, and enhance long-term productivity.
With a background in research, education, and hands-on field projects, Jacopo blends technical expertise with sustainable business models. Passionate about innovation and real-world impact, he mentors startups in AgTech, regenerative agriculture, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.
Mentorship Focus: AgTech, sustainability-driven startups, ecosystem-based business models, community engagement, and environmental impact.
Chris Hetem
I'm a product designer who helps startups and early stage companies shape ambiguous ideas into impactful products through human-centred design.
I thrive in the problem space—validating ideas, challenging assumptions, and uncovering root issues before iterating toward a workable solution.
If you're feeling lost in the sauce, I can help you spot patterns, find clarity, and make sense of the mess to move forward more confidently.
My expertise is primarily in SaaS/tech, but I also have experience applying similar practices to non-tech ideas.
Ruth James
My expertise is more in community and people - I am highly passionate about and love creating spaces where people thrive.
I'm experienced in working alongside and champion rangatahi especially in a mentoring capacity.
I have experience in the charity and volunteer spaces as well as extensive event management knowledge. I'm also a great team player with strong communication skills.
Mariska van Gaalen
I have experience developing community spaces and in permaculture design. I can support with validating problems, testing solutions and prioritising actions.
James Wilson
James has over 20 years of experience in the arts, culture, and heritage sectors. Originally trained as a theatre director, he has worked as an event producer, venue manager, and strategic advisor. He has a strong track record in funding strategy, helping not-for-profits secure support from public, private, and commercial sources. A passionate advocate for Aotearoa’s creative industries, James thrives on connecting artists with audiences.
An alumnus of the ART Venture Creative Entrepreneurs Programme and Leadership New Zealand, James has served as co-chair of PANNZ and on the executive board of EVANZ. He is currently Chair of The Incubator Creative Hub and serves on the boards of Alzheimer’s Bay of Plenty and the Tahi Festival of solo performance. James works as a fundraising coach for Funding HQ and a strategic advisor to Creative New Zealand.
Jay Tihema
Jay is involved in a range of kaupapa focused mostly on rangatahi and community development, with a background in careers, engagement, education, mentoring, tech and creative sectors. Jay is keen to support with ideation, strategy, pitches and problem-solving.
Korey is a results-driven commercialisation professional with deep experience in international technology go-to-market. For the bulk of his career, Korey has spearheaded B2B market entry and penetration efforts as well as brand building activities for renowned global firms such as General Electric, AT&T, T-Mobile, Tech Mahindra, and Crayon.
Alongside these industry pursuits, Korey also brings his passion for marketing to the university classroom at a variety of academic levels from developing highly rated undergraduate papers, to master’s and Executive MBA programs.
Sasha is the co-founder and CEO of Money Sweetspot, a business re-writing the playbook of lending by bringing a unique model of storytelling and education to Kiwi sick of being in debt. She is passionate about storytelling, social enterprise, financial systems change, and bringing the power of empathy to the core of business. She thinks in systems, connections, and alchemy. She’s also an accountant (but don’t hold that against her)!
A Startup Weekend enthusiast with a background in software engineering and community development. He has led software initiatives at local companies and launched his own apps to market. Deeply engaged in community initiatives across technology and local sport. He excels at helping teams refine the technical details of their products and build thriving communities around them.
Rangimarie Taueki’s identity is deeply rooted in his heritage. His mountain is Maungatautari, his river is Waikato, and he belongs to the Tainui iwi and Kaokaoroa O Patetere hapū. Proud of his ancestry, he carries his name with deep cultural connection.
Based in Tauranga Moana, Rangi has a diverse background in the wood industry, roading infrastructure, and education. For over 15 years, he has mentored young people, guiding them toward their aspirations.
Currently, he works for Ngāti Ranginui Iwi as a youth mentor, providing encouragement, opportunity, and challenge as part of the social services team.
Rangi holds a Bachelor of Humanities in Indigenous Studies and Indigenous Business and recently earned an Executive Master of Business Administration. Known for his out-of-the-box thinking and strong business insight, he brings a unique perspective to mentoring and leadership.
Ricky has been involved in the world of sales, marketing and communications since 2012. his company, Manic Agency Limited has a number of local and international clients including Madd Gear Action Sports, the worlds #1 pro scooter brand through which he manages the Australian and New Zealand marketing programs. Ricky has an eye for strategy and execution with a strong focus on everything from data & analytics, photography/videography to design and community building.