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One of New Zealand's top documentary makers and highly inspirational speaker – Rob Harley found he was becoming cynical with the media and decided to do something about it. What he did is inspirational and life changing. His keynote presentation is a wonderful journey to renewed hope.

Rob spent more than 26 years working in TV news and current affairs before moving out into the world of communications consultancy. During his career in television Rob worked on programmes including Frontline and Assignment, and made several documentaries.

Rob’s work has been recognised by more than 20 National and International awards in journalism including two gold medals at the New York Film and Television Awards. Rob’s documentary work has taken him to lots of places including East Timor, Sudan, Kosovo, Cambodia and India.

Rob was sent by “Assignment” into Manhattan five days after the terrorist attacks to make a documentary on the aftermath to the tragedy and completed a one-year follow-up programme. His television reporting has given him a unique insight into fascinating sides of life in NZ. From being in the heart of the action at the Bastion Point occupation, to the ’81 Springbok tour, the trial of the Rainbow Warrior Bombers, the first test-tube babies born in NZ, stock market booms and busts and the inner workings of crime syndicates, to mention just a few. Rob has also branched out into more intensive television production, developing a series called “Extreme Close Up” – which ran for three seasons on TV One, featuring stories about people overcoming adversity through personal belief and courage.

In his public keynote speaking career, Rob has specialised in speaking about leadership, and the role of the media in a rapidly changing world. He’s written two books, one called “The Power of the Story,” which teaches communicators how to weave stories and experiences into their presentations.

His latest book is called “Brave, Mad and Memorable,” where Rob recounts his personal journey through ten fascinating journalistic assignments – everything from New York in the aftermath of September 11th, to a documentary exploring the minds of people who think they’ve been abducted by aliens.

His particular passion is working on behalf of aid agencies, making documentaries and promotional material to help raise the profile of these agencies and their work among the poor. Rob's ability to tell stories and weave pictures of ordinary people doing extraordinary things is motivational and inspirational.