Ember Innovations Christmas Wishlist 2025

Dear Santa,

We’ve been very good this year (and we've got the receipts).
We’ve launched challenges, backed bold ideas, fed many brains, won awards, survived another SSP, and nobody has thrown a whiteboard marker (that we know of).
In the spirit of generosity, and a cheeky wink from the innovation elves… here’s what we’re wishing for this Christmas:

1. More Problems, Please
   Nothing boring though.
   We only want:
   • wicked,
   • systemic,
   • gnarly,
   • intersectional
   • generational issues…
   Bonus points if they involve climate, youth or housing.
   We’re hungry.
2. Solutions We Didn’t Think Of
   Surprise us.
   We’re here for:
   • the sideways ideas,
   • the moonshots,
   • the quiet revolutions,
   • the cunning hacks.
   If your idea makes someone say,
   “Wait… that would never work… unless… 👀”
   then yes.
3. Partnership
   Because innovation is a marathon, not a sprint.
   We’ll happily open our stockings for:
   • multi-year, flexible funding,
   • infrastructure investment,
   • co-investment with friends.
   Cash is cool.
   Relationships are cooler.
   Best of all: both.
4. A Podcast Mic That Never Drops Out
   We are launching a podcast in 2026.
   We know Santa has connections.
5. A Calm Sea for Ignition 26
   No storms.
   No new pandemics.
   No last-minute cancellations.
   Just:
   • sunshine,
   • kai,
   • kōrero,
   • and collective brilliance.
6. More Reasons to Celebrate
   Impact reports,
   research grants,
   collaborations,
   community wins.
   We would like a never-ending supply of good news.
7. A Wider Circle
   A few more:
   • innovators,
   • whānau champions,
   • wise aunties,
   • data nerds,
   • mischief-makers,
   • nature walkers,
   • and wise guides to join our waka.
   Room for everyone.
8. A Little Bit of Magic
   That thing that happens when we get in the room together:
   • laughter,
   • generosity,
   • a spark in the eye,
   • something new emerging.
   Can we have more of that?
   Please and thank you.
9. Kai That Appears at Meetings by Itself
   We’re not fussy.
   If you could see your way to:
   • cheese scones,
   • date loaf,
   • samosas,
   • fruit,
   • coffee,
   • anything gluten-free that doesn’t taste like cardboard… We’ll be grateful.

10. Courage + Kindness

For the road ahead.
For the communities we serve.
For the change we are here to make.

Big hearts. Bold ideas. Brave action.

 PS. If any of this is too difficult, we’ll also accept... chocolate.

Meri Kirihimete, Santa.
Bring on 2026.I