Sir Ian Taylor + His Mojo Makers
Where Our Mojo Really Lives
Lately, we’ve heard a lot of talk - mostly from politicians - that New Zealand has lost its mojo. That we’re falling behind, that our best days are behind us. I’m here to say: they’re talking to the wrong people.
I’ve invited five mojo makers to join me at Revved - people who are not just imagining a better future - they’re building it.
Electrifying Change
Mike Casey is the founder of ReWiring Aotearoa, an ambitious mission to electrify New Zealand’s future. With roots in tech and a track record of global innovation, he’s now tackling one of our biggest challenges: decarbonisation.
Mike doesn’t just imagine a low-emissions future—he’s building it. His work is proof that New Zealand’s mojo is alive in those bold enough to spark real change.
Digging Deeper
Think geothermal is old news? Think again. Dr. Isabelle Chambefort is igniting a bold new era in New Zealand’s energy story. Diving deeper, going hotter, unlocking up to ten times the power of conventional systems. It’s called supercritical geothermal, and it’s one of the most exciting frontiers in renewable energy on the planet.
As Programme Leader for Geothermal: The Next Generation at Scion - Crown Research Institute, Isabelle led the breakthrough effort to turn extreme heat into extraordinary potential, placing Aotearoa New Zealand at the leading edge of the global clean-energy race.
Innovation with Purpose
Wayne Mulligan is a visionary Māori entrepreneur and co-founder of NZ Bio Forestry, where Indigenous knowledge meets cutting-edge science.
From biotech to clean tech, Wayne creates ventures that uplift communities and honour the land while unlocking major economic opportunities for New Zealand through high-value, sustainable industries. He’s not waiting for permission - he’s already shaping the future. And in that, our mojo runs strong.
Building with Mana
James Bushell is leading Ngāti Toa’s Passive Homes project - a housing initiative rooted in sustainability, dignity, and intergenerational wellbeing.
These homes don’t just meet standards - they set new ones. James shows us that when you build with purpose and pride, you don’t just restore homes - you restore mojo.
Fusion Pioneer
Dr. Ratu Mataira, founder of OpenStar Technologies, is taking nuclear fusion from theory to breakthrough - achieving plasma containment at 300,000°C, all within two years and on a shoestring budget.
By pushing the limits of energy science, Ratu is proving that big thinking still has a home in Aotearoa. Our mojo is burning bright—and it’s just getting started.
