Christchurch Conversations: Towards 2030

Hear how we can support an interconnected approach to whānau and whenua, people and place, in the urban realm.

+ Amanda Yates (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Te Aitanga a Mahakai, Rongowhakaata) of AUT with an overview of urban wellbeing, and how weaving together human-made and natural systems can benefit people and place.

+ Malcolm Long (Ōpawaho Heathcote River Network) shares how the health of the river is intertwined with that of the local human community.

+ Joseph Hullen (Ngāi Tūāhuriri/Ngāti Hinematua) explains how weaving indigenous values, knowledge and storytelling into the urban fabric benefits all living things.

+ Anna Stevenson, public health physician (Te Mana Ora, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha) takes us through how physical and mental health are impacted by our cities.

+ Isla Huia, poet, shares her poem "Godley".

What does the future of public transport look like for Ōtautahi Christchurch? And, perhaps more importantly, what could it look like? In this Christchurch Conversation we explore current plans for Ōtautahi’s public transport network, discuss how to make sure it works for all its users and reimagine its future.

The series is made possible by the support and enthusiasm of our family of sponsors and supporters. Christchurch Conversations 2023 is funded through the Christchurch City Council’s Sustainability Fund and supported by He Puna ORA Regenerative Action-Lab at AUT.

It is brought to you by Te Pūtahi Centre for Architecture and City Making.

Imagine a society that is able to make transformative change in urban and climate matters, while ensuring the wellbeing of future generations. How might we create such a regenerative future? Join us for a conversation with Sophie Howe, who recently completed her seven-year term as inaugural Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, to find out.

How might we design our infrastructure to adapt to the changing flows of water? Speakers include Dr John Reid, (Ngāti Pikiao, Tainui, Tauiwi) Senior Research Fellow the Ngāi Tahu Centre, University of Canterbury; Dr Daniel Collins (Tauiwi, Ngāphui), water and climate change specialist, Pūtahi Research; Hannah Lewthwaite, CCC Climate Resilience & Landscape Architect and Ben Brown (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Koroki, Ngāti Paoa), acclaimed poet and performer

How do we turn people’s generalised disquiet about climate change into city-wide action that improves our lives and secures our future together? Speakers include Sacha McMeeking, (Ngāi Tahu), Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury, Katherine Peet, Network Waitangi Ōtautahi,Cally O’Neil, Te Reo O Ngā Tāngata/The People Speak,Joanna Santa Barbara, Co-Chair of Nelson Tasman Climate Forum, Ritodhi Chakraborty, lecturer in Human Geography at University of Canterbury and Melanie Dixon

We’ve invited a diverse group of local experts to give us their take on what hampers effective climate action. Speakers include:Mahdis Azarmandi (University of Canterbury), lecturer in Educational Studies & Leadership,Kera Sherwood O’Regan (Kāi Tahu), climate justice advocate,Diarmaid Coffey, GP and co-convenor Ora Taiao NZ Climate & Health Council,James Driver, psychotherapist,Kamala Hayman, editor, The Press & Stuff Canterbury, Sara Templeton, Christchurch City Council ,Sarah Maindonald, poet

Speakers include Dr David Hall (AUT), Meg Back, landscape architect and Tuia Pito Ora NZILA national executive. Danny Rood , an environmental practitioner doing emissions reduction things for Toitū Envirocare

Associate Professor Justin Morgenroth (University of Canterbury, School of Forestry),

Part 2 of a presentation on how to bring biodiversity to our city featuring a panel discussion with Ecologist Dr Colin Meurk,

Craig Pauling (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga, English, Scottish and Welsh), current ECan Councillor

Antony Shadbolt, a landscape architect and Christchurch City Council’s Parks Biodiversity lead

and landscape architect Di Lucas.

Plus local stories and poetry

A presentation exploring how to bring biodiversity to the city featuring Joseph Hullen (Ngāi Tūāhuriri/Ngāti Hinematua)

Angus McIntosh, Professor of Freshwater Ecology (University of Canterbury),

Eric Pawson, Emeritus Professor of Geography (University of Canterbury)

Yolanda van Heezik & Phil Seddon, professors of zoology (University of Otago)

Presentations on different transport options and the role of government and councils in making our travel clean, easy and fair.