What do you get when you take one large group of curious people, add 2 subject matter experts, and stick 'em all in a pub?
The Think & Drink.
An evening of thought-provoking talks and great conversation - accompanied by your favourite tipple.
Scientists, Ground-breakers, Authors, Leaders, Innovators and Obsessives will be stepping out of the classroom and into the pub to share their knowledge and get the conversation flowing.
They’ll be talking history, the environment, finance, art and culture, vampires plus probably a few things none of us even knew existed.
And rest assured, nobody's handing out homework.
It’s a laid back night of new ideas and good yarns for the actively curious.
So grab a pew, a drink, and get ready to learn something you didn’t even know you needed to know!
Welcome to The Think & Drink!
Let's introduce our wonderflul speakers:
Speaker: Professor Nat Waran OBE
Topic: Of mice and men: the secret lives of our pets
Does your dog really love you, and is your cat secretly bored out of its mind? Join Nat for a fascinating, fun and research-backed look at how our pets see the world, what they feel and what they really need. Busting common myths about animal behaviour, Nat explores the surprising connections between animal, human and environmental wellbeing through the concept of One Welfare. Expect fresh insights, a few surprises and a better understanding of the animals we share our lives with.
Speaker: Bruce Ngataierua
Topic: What’s Really Written in the Stars?
Hidden inside Napier Boys’ High School is a Cold War-era star machine with a story of its own. It’s part of New Zealand’s oldest planetarium, where the mysteries of the universe meet the skies above Te Matau-a-Māui. But whose stories do the stars tell? And what can we discover when Māori and Western astronomy come together? Join Brice Ngataierua, Director of the Hawke’s Bay Holt Planetarium, for a fascinating journey through Ngā Whetū (The Stars), challenging what you think you know about the night sky and revealing a universe of knowledge right on our doorstep.
Tickets: $20+$5 booking platform fee
Date:
This event will run on Tuesday 24th November from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.
Venue:
We’re delighted to be hosting The Think & Drink in the Westshore Beach Inn, which holds the oldest licence in Hawkes Bay, the perfect venue for great conversation. With a drink in hand, plenty of atmosphere and room to settle in, it’s the perfect place to bring curious people together for thought-provoking talks, new ideas and a few great yarns.
Address: Westshore Beach Inn, 84 Meeanee Quay, Westshore, Napier.
Parking: Free on-street parking is available outside the pub.
Food Menu:
If you want to order any food before, during or after The Think and Drink, you are more than welcome to so on your own tab. View the menu here before you arrive if you wish.
About the experts
Prof Nat Waran OBE
Nat is a strategic and transformational leader with extensive senior executive experience across tertiary education and the animal welfare and not-for-profit sectors. In August 2025, she launched NavigateWelfare, an international animal welfare consultancy.
Nat has led the development of internationally recognised animal welfare research and education centres, built strategic partnerships and delivered programmes driving educational and behavioural change. Formerly Executive Dean at EIT and Professor of One Welfare, she holds honorary and emeritus professorships at several universities internationally.
She currently chairs New Zealand’s National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee and has held numerous international governance roles. In 2025, she was awarded an OBE for services to international animal welfare, particularly equine welfare, research and education.
Topic: Of mice and men: the secret lives of our pets
Does your dog really love you, and is your cat secretly bored out of its mind? Join Nat for a fascinating, fun and research-backed look at how our pets see the world, what they feel and what they really need. Busting common myths about animal behaviour, Nat explores the surprising connections between animal, human and environmental wellbeing through the concept of One Welfare. Expect fresh insights, a few surprises and a better understanding of the animals we share our lives with.
Bruce Ngataierua
Bruce Ngataierua is from Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Pourua. He has a background in Chemistry and holds a Master of Education.
He is an astronomy educator and a high-school teacher at Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, The Correspondence School.
He is the head of Chemistry and teaches Earth and Space Science where he incorporates Māori astronomy in his programmes.
Topic: What’s Really Written in the Stars?
Hidden inside Napier Boys’ High School is a Cold War-era star machine with a story of its own. It’s part of New Zealand’s oldest planetarium, where the mysteries of the universe meet the skies above Te Matau-a-Māui. But whose stories do the stars tell? And what can we discover when Māori and Western astronomy come together? Join Brice Ngataierua, Director of the Hawke’s Bay Holt Planetarium, for a fascinating journey through Ngā Whetū (The Stars), challenging what you think you know about the night sky and revealing a universe of knowledge right on our doorstep.
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