Hopkins Lecture – Sir Richard Taylor

Learn how the fusion of technology and art has propelled Richard and his colleagues to international acclaim. Gain valuable insights into how Wētā Workshop remains at the forefront of innovation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Richard Taylor:
Richard Taylor is the co-founder, CEO and Creative Director of the award-winning Wētā companies and co-owner of Wētā Workshop. With more than thirty years’ experience working in the world’s creative industries, Richard is a passionate creative at the core of Wētā Workshop, collaborating each day with his colleagues and friends across a diverse range of artistic and technical disciplines.

Richard has won five Academy Awards, four BAFTAs, three THEA Awards and more than 35 national and international awards for his work within the creative industries. In 2010 Richard was made a Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for his services to film and voted New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year, and in 2012 named New Zealander of the Year.

Wētā Workshop has provided the design and physical effects for more than 160 films (including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, Avatar, King Kong, Thor and Black Panther) , numerous television shows, and multiple location-based experiences. They also operate popular tourist attractions, a digital game studio, produces high-end collectibles and specialise in the design and manufacture of location-based visitor experiences.

Richard and his wife Tania also co-own the children’s IP development and television production company Pukeko Pictures, which develops award-winning television shows including Jane and the Dragon and the reimagined classic Thunderbirds Are Go.

The annual Hopkins Lecture is a free public lecture, jointly hosted by the University of Canterbury and the Engineering New Zealand Canterbury Branch.

The event is in-person and online.