Rob McCallum is global leader in deep-ocean exploration and philanthropic ocean science. Known internationally as “the Hillary of the Deep”, he has spent more than 25 years opening up the least-known parts of our planet, leading record-setting descents to the deepest points of all five oceans and mapping millions of square kilometres of seafloor. His expeditions have advanced global understanding of the hadal zone (6000m-11000m), enabled major breakthroughs in engineering, materials science, and biology, and deep ocean-mapping.

As Founder of EYOS Expeditions and Vice-Chair of the Nekton Foundation, Rob has helped reshape global approaches to ocean science by championing co-produced research with host nations and local communities. His leadership has supported historic firsts for a wide diversity of ocean explorers, revealed two new global ecosystems, discovered hundreds of species, accelerated large-scale conservation efforts and enabled a tide-change in ocean philanthropy . Splitting his time between international expeditions and pro-bono scientific work, Rob continues to mentor the next generation of ocean leaders while strengthening Aotearoa New Zealand’s deep contribution to understanding – and protecting – the world’s ocean.

Annah Stretton is a bold, future focused leader whose influence spans fashion, social enterprise, and justice reform. Over more than 33 years she has built one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most enduring fashion brands, while consistently using her platform to create opportunity for others. As the founder of RAW Reclaim Another Woman, she has established Aotearoa’s first peer supported reintegration model for high risk incarcerated wāhine, meeting women at the toughest points of their lives and supporting pathways into housing, education, employment, and long term stability.

Her work is gaining growing international attention. The RAW Beauty photographic exhibition, along with her research informed advocacy, recently led to a plenary invitation at the European Prison Education Association Conference in Macedonia. RAW’s collaborative work inside the new Rangiora Unit at Waikeria Prison is also breaking new ground, demonstrating what is possible when lived experience, therapeutic environments, and long term transformation pathways are brought together. Alongside RAW, Annah chairs the Waikato Women’s Refuge, supports the palliative care charity True Colours, and founded Hopefish, which provides micro grants for women pursuing tertiary study.
Returning to university in her late 50s, Annah has completed three postgraduate degrees and continues to blend scholarship, creativity, and social impact to drive meaningful, systemic change across the motū.