On Being Human — The Stories We Carry: Identity, Belonging and the Human Journey
Date: 16 Jul 2026
Time: 10.00AM to 12.00PM
Venue: SUSS Block C, SR C.3.12
Event Type: Enrichment Talks
School/Department: S R Nathan School of Human Development
Register Now!NSHD warmly invites you to the inaugural talk of the S R Nathan School's new conversation series, "On Being Human".
The Stories We Carry: Identity, Belonging and the Human Journey
Speaker: Neil Wallace (he/him) Arts and Justice Advisor | Kaiwhakahuri Hurihanga (Transformation Guide) Arts Access Aotearoa, Aotearoa New Zealand
Key Takeaway:
Human beings understand themselves through stories. Whether these come from family, culture, community, lived experience or personal reflection, they shape our sense of identity, belonging and possibility. Creativity offers a way of engaging with those stories, helping people explore who they are, where they come from, and how they relate to others. As people develop a stronger sense of identity and connection, they are often better able to contribute to their communities and to navigate life's challenges with purpose, dignity and hope.
Neil Wallace is an arts leader, educator and advisor from Aotearoa New Zealand whose work explores the relationships between creativity, culture, identity and human development. As Arts and Justice Advisor for Arts Access Aotearoa, he supports national initiatives connecting creativity, education, cultural engagement and community wellbeing. Neil has contributed to professional learning pathways, national best-practice resources, research initiatives and sector networks across New Zealand. Drawing on his experiences as an educator, advisor, artist, Māori man and double below-knee amputee, his work is especially attentive to storytelling, belonging, cultural identity and personal transformation.
We look forward to seeing you there!