2023 Event Outcomes
The bringing together of a community of great thinkers, practitioners and leaders of urbanism
The Urbanism NZ 2023 conference brought together more than 400 people from a broad range of industries across the country's built-environment sector to learn and collaborate with a focus on seeking good urban environments for all people. The 2023 conference included pre-event study tours; dinner with opening discussion on what the notion of urbanism means for Māori communities; two-day programme with international keynotes, curated content and delegate led sessions from an overwhelming number of paper submissions. Additionally there was an adjacent exhibition show-casing a number of important services and solutions and an evening networking event. The conference itself was followed by an invitation-only deeper-dive worksop based on the outcomes from the conference discussion and in relation to the 2018 Statement on NZ Urbanism.
The conference programme explored six key themes. Session themes were moderated by industry leaders who captured the discussion for further discussion and planning.
Session chair: Dee Isaacs, 4Sight Consulting
Creating new pathways
The importance of reflecting on ways of enhancing mana was recognised at the 2023 Urbanism Aotearoa conference through it being a lead theme and opening address on Day One. This acknowledged the connection between the theme of ‘Mana-enhancing’ and creating new pathways to achieve better outcomes.
Session Chair: Tania Hyde, Beca
Embracing kaitiakitanga for a sustainable future
The 2023 Urbanism Aotearoa conference discussed how we shape our urban places for resiliency within the ‘Regenerative’ theme, with presentations on both days of the event.
Our speakers agreed that in our rapidly changing world, the need for resiliency has never been more important and that by incorporating kaitiakitanga into our urban planning and decision-making processes, we can create cities that are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially and economically resilient.
Session Chairs: Stephen Douglass, Priscilla Steel GHD
Co-delivering change for a thriving Aotearoa
In the pursuit of a more equitable Aotearoa, it is essential to co-deliver change with our communities. This notion was discussed in our ‘Liveable Communities’ Theme at the 2023 Urbanism Aotearoa Conference. Our presenters and panel speakers delved into the challenges, solutions and opportunities.
Session chair: Dr Natalie Allen, The Urban Advisory
Change is possible
The ‘Technology and Innovation’ theme at the 2023 Urbanism Aotearoa conference posed the question of how we define urbanism in our transformational world.
The discussions we had clearly identified the key role of technology and innovation in planning for different scenarios of uncertainty.
Session Chair: Lauren Jewell, Aurecon
What is viable development in our new urbanity?
In the ‘Productive and Economic’ session theme on Day Two of the 2023 Urbanism Aotearoa Conference, we took a deep dive into the dynamic of urbanity and explore how it impacts the commercial imperatives driving investment. Our speakers discussed the challenges faced by society, the need for affordable solutions, and the importance of creating a unified vision for the future of our cities.
Session Chairs: Ekin Sakin, Urban Design Forum
Reasons for optimism
A key takeout from the ‘Integration’ theme at the 2023 Urbanism Aotearoa conference was a two-fold optimism that structural challenges to delivering resilient and liveable built environments can be successfully navigated.