Steve Dunstan

Steve Dunstan is a brand builder, entrepreneur, mentor and creative strategist best known as the co-founder of Huffer.

Born in the hills and raised in the streets, Huffer was founded in 1997 when Jordan had five rings, the internet was chat rooms, and a collection of snowboarders, skaters were spending more time chasing ‘the dream’ than building business plans.

What started as a grassroots clothing label grew into one of New Zealand’s most recognisable brands, creating a unique connection between self-expression, functionality and a strong sense of community.

Over 26 years, Steve experienced the full spectrum of entrepreneurship. Rapid growth, international expansion, near collapse, rebuilding, reinvention and ultimately the sale of the majority of his shareholding in 2023.

Today, Steve works with founders, organisations and emerging leaders to help them build brands, communities and ideas that people genuinely want to belong to. His work spans sport, culture and commercial partnerships, including Auckland FC, Audi New Zealand and a growing portfolio of projects focused on identity, participation and place.

At the heart of Steve’s work is a belief that the strongest brands are not built through marketing alone, but through participation, shared values and a sense of belonging. Whether mentoring founders, advising organisations or speaking to audiences, he explores how businesses can create deeper connections with the people they serve.

Steve speaks candidly about entrepreneurship, creativity, resilience and reinvention. His presentations combine stories from the front line of building brands with practical insights into leadership, culture and the importance of creating something bigger than a product, creating something people care enough to be part of.