Auckland Conversations

Your part in protecting and improving the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park for future generations. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, New Zealand's only marine park, turns 20 years old this year. To celebrate, we reflect on the riches it has provided to the people of Tāmaki Makaurau, New Zealand and international visitors. It’s a place of rich beauty and great adventure. The Gulf is home to 25 species of whale and dolphin and is a global seabird hotspot with 26 species resting and nesting here. There are over 45 predator-free Gulf islands that provide sanctuary for some of our country’s most endangered wildlife including kokako, kiwi and tuatara. Tīkapa Moana is recognised as a precious taonga (treasure), highly valued by many for cultural, environmental, social, recreational and economic reasons. However, as we commemorate the 20th birthday, we also reflect on the impact humans have had on our cherished Marine Park. The once mighty ecosystem is suffering from the decimation of shellfish beds, decreasing fish stocks, a seabed littered with plastic, sediment issues and increased pressure from development and tourism. We all have a responsibility to ensure our actions support and improve the mauri of the Gulf. The next 20 years need to embody regeneration and renewal, not degradation, to ensure the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is safeguarded for future generations – it’s our gift to the Gulf.

Our built environment in Aotearoa has to go zero carbon by 2050 – throughout the entire lifecycle, from construction, raw material extraction, the manufacture of products such as steel and concrete used to make our buildings, and the energy used for things like heating and lighting. Not all of the solutions to get our built environment to zero carbon will be easy. They may involve difficult challenges. But we have to accept those challenges, and deploy solutions quickly. During World Green Building Week this September, NZGBC will be hosting a series of nationwide crunch debates tackling these tough issues head on. This event in Auckland will focus on reducing pollution from product and materials, including concrete and steel, in buildings and infrastructure. Your host for the evening will be international business journalist Rod Oram who will be joined by a panel of experts.

The decisions made around the council table impact us more directly than those made at central government level. So why do so few people vote in the local elections and what can be done to get more people involved in local politics? This September and October, New Zealanders go to the polls to choose the people who will represent them in local government for the next three years. While voter turnout at the last general election in 2017 was 79%, nationwide turnout at the last local election in 2016 was 43%. In Auckland it was even lower, with just 38.5% of Aucklanders choosing to vote. And yet local government affects nearly every aspect of our daily lives. Auckland’s mayor, councillors and local board members make decisions on everything from rubbish collections, libraries and playgrounds to the public transport system that moves us around the city and the amount we pay in rates. Join us at Auckland Conversations as actor, writer, director and comedian Oscar Kightley leads a panel to discuss why in his words, local elections, ‘are just so damned important’ and what could be done to improve voter turnout.

Global growth is also driving growth in Auckland. People are flocking to Tāmaki Makaurau to live and work and Auckland’s current population is projected to grow by 1 million people within the next 30 years. This unprecedented growth is putting pressure on our communities, housing and transport infrastructure, as well as our environment. The quality of life enjoyed by Auckland’s future generations will depend on the way we plan, design and build our city. The Auckland Plan 2050 sets the high-level direction for the future of Auckland with an emphasis on developing a quality compact city. The shift towards more compact forms of housing provides a great opportunity to deliver both high quality homes and sustainable neighbourhoods for everyone. More and more Aucklanders want to live close to rapid transit – rail and bus routes – which is driving the need for quality intensification and a shift towards vertical living. So how do we accelerate intensification? And how do we shift the mind-set of Aucklanders that seem determined to hang on to the quarter-acre dream? Join us at Auckland Conversations to discuss how we can focus on providing a sustainable approach to the future planning of our city.

Older Aucklanders are an increasing part of the region’s population. How do we work towards making sure that older Aucklanders and those approaching that age group are respected and valued in our community? Auckland will be home to substantially larger numbers and greater proportions of ethnically and culturally diverse older people over the next few decades. The older population is growing faster than any other age-group and is predicted to increase from 11 per cent in 2013 to 19 per cent by 2046. The aging population will create opportunities as well as greater and more complex demand for services and infrastructure. Insufficient planning for this could mean the challenges worsen as the number of older people grows significantly over the next 20 years. Some older Aucklanders have needs that are not being met by existing services. While Auckland is a great place to live for most older people there are some who face greater challenges. Those in the “older-old” age group and of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to be socially excluded which in turn has an impact on their health and happiness. How can we improve the wellbeing of older Aucklanders, especially those most in need? Join us at Auckland Conversations as we discuss with Sir Bob Harvey and a panel of experts how we can work collaboratively to develop a plan for an age-friendly city which will also allow us to obtain membership to the World Health Organisation’s Global Network of Age-friendly Cities and Communities and demonstrate our collective commitment to Auckland being friendly and inclusive where everyone can contribute and participate.

Economic growth can often be accompanied by disparity, economic and social marginalisation. How do we change this and increase the living standards for all Auckland’s citizens? What will this mean and how will our jobs, vocational opportunities and economy change? We would like to start a conversation about the challenges Auckland faces as an international city from an economic and prosperity perspective, in parallel with LA and Guangzhou. Stephen Cheung is the Executive Vice President of Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and the President of World Trade Center Los Angeles (WTCLA). He leads investment attraction to the LA County region and facilitates successful location of new businesses, projects and deals from both international and U.S. investors into the region. Stephen will share with us his aspirations and vision, and impressions on what it takes to be an international city focused on inclusive growth. Stephanie Honey, Associate Director of the New Zealand International Business Forum, will MC the night. Stephen Cheung will also be joined by a panel of industry experts including: Tony Alexander, Chief Economist, Bank of New Zealand Nick Hill, Chief Executive, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development This Auckland Conversation is brought to you in partnership with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and with the support of Bank of New Zealand (BNZ)

With Auckland’s population set to swell to 2 million by as early as 2029, growing demands on housing and infrastructure, and climate change exposing our city to impending natural disasters, future-proofing Auckland has become more important than ever before. The way we plan, design, construct and govern our city will determine Auckland’s future viability. The world’s cities are under threat by climate change. Building a sustainable city is an integral part of Auckland’s future. But what does the ideal sustainable city look like? And is it possible? Join us with Dr Michelle Dickinson as she facilitates the conversation focusing on crucial attributes and solutions – high-rise medium-density, incorporating resilience into urban design and development, and high-quality living for our people with easy access to employment, social infrastructure and clean, green spaces. This Auckland Conversation is brought to you in partnership with New Zealand Green Building Council.

Facilitated by our MC Te Radar, our panel of experts will kick start the conversation to help identify challenges and find new strategies and solutions to promote sustainable management of Te Mauri o te wai - the life supporting capacity of Auckland’s water. Water quality is becoming an issue for Auckland. From believing that water was plentiful and free to now facing the impacts of water scarcity, poor water quality and the effects of climate change, but what can we do about it? A value-based approach connects our decisions back to what matters most. When we talk about values, we are describing what is important to us: the deep connections between water, the environment and people. We all have a responsibility and an interest in working together to ensure our decisions are improving our water future, not deferring the problems for future generations to resolve. There are different ideas of how we protect and enhance Te Mauri o te wai, and we believe this opens an exciting space for discussion and collaboration.

The challenge of public transit today is not just having good ideas but being able to explain them. It's crucial to integrate the task of planning with the tasks of explanation and of creating leading innovative processes that engage and empower the public. The goal is managing behaviour change in a positive way – changing the way people travel and the positive outcomes that can produce for Auckland. Jarrett Walker, a popular speaker and author of the popular book Human Transit, is one of the field’s great explainers. His worldwide transit consulting practice is all about helping communities see their options, and think about their goals, so that they make great decisions for themselves. We aim to start a conversation here about how transit works, what choices it presents, and how we can use it to create a better Auckland with some real-life examples of change that’s about to reshape the way we use the CBD and beyond. Eddie Tuiavii, Senior Hearings Advisor at Auckland Council will MC the night. Jarret will also be joined by a panel of industry experts including: Jessica Rose, Albert Eden Local Board member and representative for Women in Urbanism Auckland Daniel Newcombe, Manager Strategic Projects, Central, North & West, Auckland Transport Ludo Campbell-Reid, Design Champion and General Manager Auckland Design Office, Auckland Council This Auckland Conversation is brought to you in partnership with Auckland Transport and with support from MRCagney, celebrating 15 years in Aotearoa.

Auckland’s growth is far from slowing and looking ahead 30 years, our urban area will grow and change. How do we manage this growth? A big part of the future lies within south Auckland. The south is the largest future urban growth area in Auckland with around 5,300 hectares of land identified for urban development. Auckland Council are currently working on structure plans for both Drury and Pukekohe and the Supporting Growth Alliance between NZTA, Auckland Transport and Auckland Council are providing expertise in the transport planning for that area. Urban development expert Hila Oren, CEO of the Tel-Aviv Foundation, will speak on her experiences in infrastructure development around the world. She will be joined by a panel of industry experts to discuss how areas in South Auckland, such as Drury and Pukekohe, can leverage off the changes in Auckland to create a platform for future development. Andrew Baker, deputy chair of Franklin Local Board, will MC the night with Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore providing closing remarks. Hila will also be joined by a panel of industry experts including: John Duguid, General Manager Plans & Places, Auckland Council Cynthia Gillespie, Executive General Manager, Planning & Investment, Auckland Transport Quin Henderson, Chief Executive Officer, Southbase Construction Ltd

Healthy Streets for Auckland by Auckland Council

How climate-ready is Auckland? New Zealand is a truly desirable destination. It’s clean and green, people make money launching home-grown rockets and creating movies, and we see ourselves as fun and fair. But how true is our perception of being green, innovative and fair? Are we really ready for climate change or are we in for a big surprise? Is our growth and change a liability? Auckland is growing and changing but this doesn’t need to be a liability. Instead, it’s an opportunity to harness new energy, ideas and collective power to transition to an Auckland that is cleaner and fairer. Other cities and nations have shown that GDP, population, climate readiness – even happiness – can rise rapidly while emissions fall sharply. What does a just and prosperous transition look like? Our most vulnerable – including Māori and Pasifika communities – are most impacted by climate change and will continue to be so. Doing nothing on climate means turning our back on our most vulnerable and creating greater inequality in our society, harming us all. It’s time for a transition that: Creates a more compact Auckland that has great places alive with vitality and restricts urban sprawl. Decentralises infrastructure with clean energy and green infrastructure at a local level, healthier and more energy efficient homes, water-sensitive design and more convenient and reliable transport choices. Incentivises and innovates a cleaner, stronger and more resilient economy with jobs that pay well, last longer, keep money circulating locally and develop solutions for a better future. The future for Auckland and NZ is being determined by decisions made today. It’s time to get it right. This Auckland Conversation brings together a talented panel with diverse perspectives to challenge what we’re telling ourselves about our current progress, explore the consequences of the status-quo and offer their aspirations for a climate-ready Auckland. Join the conversation and help us get there!

The future of Auckland is in your hands Our harbours and streams are being polluted by overflows from ageing sewerage and stormwater systems that can’t cope with heavy rainfall, while Kauri dieback disease is threatening one of our most iconic tree species. Join the conversation on the future of the city as Auckland Council continues to consult on its 10-year Budget and 30-year Auckland Plan. The 10-year Budget proposes targeted rates to improve water quality and the environment, including tackling Kauri dieback disease, while the Auckland Plan proposes the long-term protection and enhancement of Auckland's environment by doing things differently as Auckland grows and develops. Whose responsibility is it to protect our environment? Should declining water quality be accepted as a trade-off from growth and economic prosperity, and what priority should we put on environmental protection? Bernard Hickey, Managing Editor of Newsroom Pro and Director of Newsroom NZ Ltd, will be joined by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and a panel of industry experts to discuss and debate Auckland’s environmental challenges and the potential solutions available.

The future of Auckland is in your hands Join Auckland Conversations for two events on 28 February and 22 March when Auckland Council consults on the future of the city in its 10-year Budget and the 30-year Auckland Plan. We need to consider the long term challenges facing Auckland and the outcomes that we want to achieve. The council is proposing a regional fuel tax to fund investment in Auckland’s transport network and decongest our city, while also considering small targeted rates to protect our environment, improving water quality in our streams, rivers and harbours, and protecting our native trees, birds and animals from disease and pests. Are these the right priorities? Will they create a world class city? The first of these events will focus on Transport - is a fuel tax the answer to Auckland’s transport challenge? Or is there another way? And does Auckland have its long-term transport plans right? Bernard Hickey, Managing Editor of Newsroom Pro and a Director of Newsroom NZ Ltd, will facilitate this event and will be joined by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and a panel of industry experts to discuss and debate Auckland’s transport challenges and the potential solutions available.

World renowned road safety strategist Matts-Åke Belin advises the mayor of New York, the UN and the US government on Vision Zero. Vision Zero is an approach to road safety that can be summarised in one sentence: no loss of life on the roads is acceptable. It began in Sweden and has grown into a global movement. Well known Vision Zero cities include New York, London, Toronto, Seattle and Portland. Along with growth and congestion, Auckland is facing a growing road safety challenge, with road deaths and serious injuries climbing significantly faster than population growth. Road deaths and serious injuries cost an estimated $1.3 billion a year in social costs, which is also the estimated economic cost of congestion each year. Is there a way through to create safe, more productive roads at the same time? Dr Belin will explore why Vision Zero works and what Vision Zero in Auckland could look like. He will share proven road design and engineering solutions that make roads safer and more productive.

Future Proofing The New Zealand Economy by Auckland Council

Cities the world over that are attractive places to live, struggle with affordability. This is, in part, the reason why strong public policy is required to ensure that the city remains both accessible and affordable for all, as both private and public investments are made. Toronto's Chief Planner, Jennifer Keesmaat, will inspire you with her insights into alternative methods that have been deployed with success in Washington DC, and which are currently being implemented in New York City. She will outline the ways in which Toronto has been addressing the key issues that come with being recognised as one of the worlds most liveable cities. Toronto has much to share with Auckland and Jennifer will outline some of the city's success stories and current programmes to deal with the shared challenges of rapid population growth, urban redevelopment and renewal, transport choice, housing affordability and community change.

A ‘living wage’ is defined as the wage necessary to provide an employee with a sufficient income to ensure an adequate standard of living and the ability to fully participate in society. It is independently calculated and updated annually, and nearly 80 businesses around New Zealand are now accredited as Living Wage Employers.  So how does an organisation or business make the transition and start phasing in a living wage? How is the wage calculated? And what are the benefits once it is established? Auckland Conversations is proud to host economist and author Alan Freeman. As Principal Economost for the Greater London Authority, Freeman established the first Living Wage Unit in the UK in 2001. London’s model was so successful that the campaign subsequently grew into a national movement with local campaigns across the UK. Auckland has been inspired by the London experience, and now we have the chance to learn from it. This event is co-hosted by The Living Wage Movement Aotearoa New Zealand, which was founded in 2012 on the commitment to raise the wages of the working poor. Their campaign aims to secure a living wage as a way to reduce growing inequality and poverty in New Zealand.

The French vessel Tara is returning to New Zealand for the first time since the death of Kiwi yachtsman, environmentalist and hero, Sir Peter Blake. Tara was formerly Seamaster, Sir Peter’s yacht and has a special place in the heart of New Zealanders. Join this Auckland Conversation about the vision for ocean leadership and learn about local and global initiatives to look after our ocean. This is a great opportunity to connect with Sir Peter Blake’s legacy and the work that is happening daily to increase environmental awareness among young people and the public. Since 2003, Tara has travelled 300,0000 kms across the world’s oceans, undertaking research to understand the impacts of climate and ecological changes and to anticipate the future. This current voyage, Tara Pacific, has been sailing for nearly 40,000 km through the Pacific Ocean to explore coral reefs.

The reinvention and rejuvenation of New York City (NYC) over the last decade has attracted global attention, including being awarded the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize in 2012. NYC embraced its complexity, density, and diversity, to witness a marked increase in the quality of life in a short span of time. New York and Auckland continue to address similar challenges, including accommodating for unprecedented levels of growth and the need to renew aging physical infrastructure.

The number of people sleeping rough in Auckland’s city centre has more than doubled from 68 in 2013 to 177 in 2016. And this isn’t a problem confined to the city centre – it’s a significant issue across the Auckland region. New Zealanders pride ourselves on being caring and inclusive people. Having people sleeping rough in Auckland's city parks, under bridges, in shop entrances and back alleyways is unacceptable from a humanitarian and business perspective. As a society – government, local government, businesses, residents and community organisations – we can and must do more to urgently address this growing problem.Housing First is a homeless assistance approach that provides people experiencing homelessness with permanent housing as quickly as possible – and then providing connections to the community-based support services that people need in order to keep their housing and avoid returning to homelessness. Auckland Council is proud to be working with Heart of the City (link is external) and partnering with central Government and the Auckland Housing First Collective* to bring Housing First to Auckland in 2017.Join this conversation to hear from ​Dr Sam Tsemberis founder of Pathways to Housing in New York City and designer of the consumer-driven evidence based Housing First model. Pathways to Housing is based on the belief that housing is a human right. Drawing on his extensive experience, Dr Tsemberis will share his insights on how to end chronic homelessness in Auckland using the Housing First approach.

Climate action: how do we overcome the challenges? Climate change science is no longer up for serious debate, and the Paris Agreement has given us a way forward for global climate policy. But now what? How do we get real, lasting wins? The opening Auckland Conversations event for 2017 tackles climate change action: how do we fully realise New Zealand's commitments? How are cities leading the way in climate change adaptation and innovation globally? And what crucial steps must be taken? Recent research from C40 Cities (link is external) and Arup, Deadline 2020 (link is external), puts the heat on, demonstrating that while cities can lift us 40% of the way toward our Paris Agreement ambitions, more ambition over the next four years is critical to get us on the safe climate path. Reducing carbon emissions produces exceptional and well-documented health, economic and environmental co-benefits – and the link between protecting the climate and protecting our most vulnerable people is clearer than ever. So, what stands in our way? Now is the time for businesses, governments, citizens, organisations and cities to double down efforts to mainstream climate action and to boldly commit to overcoming challenges.

It’s only relatively recently that Auckland has begun to celebrate and treasure the beauty and potential that exists within its urban waterfronts. What we’ve achieved in Wynyard Quarter, with the transformation of industrial land into what’s becoming one of Auckland’s most liveable areas, has opened up the possibilities to Aucklanders. Yet there is so much more that can be done. Renowned British urban expert Professor Greg Clark CBE is in Auckland to lead the Water Edge 2016 symposium hosted by Panuku Development Auckland. In this, his second appearance at Auckland Conversations, Prof. Clark will moderate a discussion between four urban regeneration leaders from behind some of the world’s most successful water edges, on the movement toward waterfront regeneration. Carl Weisbrod, Chairman of the New York City Planning Commission; Jürgen Bruns-Berentelg, Chief Executive Officer of HafenCity Hamburg GmbH; Richard Brown, Executive Director of Development and Regeneration Services at Glasgow City Council; and Rita Justesen, Director of Planning and Architecture for Copenhagen City and Port Development, will discuss the theme of Living by the Water. Drawing examples from their vast water edge regeneration experiences, this expert panel will share their ideas on how water edge developments can respond to pressing housing shortages, and how to manage density and diversity, retain existing communities and welcome newcomers, and forge a shared ‘sense of place’.

Nearly 20 years ago two architects, one in the US and one in the UK, who’d both acquired functional limitations due to polio, developed an idea about people at the center of the design process. Ron Mace and Selwyn Goldsmith were clear. Universal/inclusive design was not baseline accessibility about people with disabilities but rather a transformational and dynamic design strategy for our time that built on a floor of access. They saw human diversity of ability, age, and culture as definitive of life today and called for concerted leadership to invest in design that makes this new reality work. The demographic facts have only gotten starker. The concepts are more familiar but sustainable visionary practice, at best, scattered. Valerie Fletcher will offer a strategy to spur holistic action for inclusive design that’s practical but energizing, that demands engagement by clients, designers, and users. And she will illustrate success with global examples of methods and results. Doors open at 5.00pm.

Auckland Conversations presents the annual Mayoral Sir John Logan Campbell Lecture as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival. Join Mayor Len Brown to hear internationally acclaimed writer and academic, Kerry Howe discuss the history and future of one of the most iconic areas of Auckland. Both Maori and European settlers exploited the Gulf islands, introduced predators, caused species extinction, and depleted forests. Colonial economic activity was on an industrial scale - mining, quarrying, sand, shingle and timber extraction. Reflecting new global attitudes towards the environment in the 1970s, so began our local and now world-renowned process of Gulf island restoration - eradicating pests, replanting native vegetation, and introducing endangered birds, insects and reptiles. We have created a much loved recreational paradise on our Treasure Islands. Yet the waters of the Gulf are still at threat from pollution, overfishing, and economic and population pressures. How do we account for this contradiction, and what are the implications for the future?

Smart Vision for Auckland - Jim Quinn by Auckland Council

In association with 2WALKandCYCLE 2016 Conference, Auckland. How can we create vibrant and healthy cities for everyone, regardless of age or social status? What is the role of streets - the largest public space in any city? How can parks improve the quality of life that attracts and retains people to their communities? Gil answers these questions while also explaining a simple and effective principle for inclusive city building: ensuring the safety and joy of children and older adults (from 8 year olds to 80 year olds) are at the forefront of every decision we make in our cities. Drawing on his experience as Commissioner of Parks and Recreation in Bogota, Gil presents some of the now widely celebrated approaches to urban regeneration through investments in parks and public spaces. Gil also draws upon examples from cities around the world which demonstrate the power of parks and public space in making lives happier, communities better, and economies stronger.

Are we moving on from the Quarter Acre Dream? Is the hope for a quarter acre paradise lost for all but a few Aucklanders? Can we adjust to the new reality of terrace homes, apartments, and town houses? Is this what growth means for the city? With Auckland growing at a rate of 896 people a week how can everyone be guaranteed a home, either to buy or rent? Auckland clearly needs new housing options so the economic benefits of growth can be shared by all as we establish our place among the world’s most successful cities. Watch this Auckland Conversations’ to hear a panel discussion with views on Auckland’s rapid growth, its effect on the city’s future liveability and what we can do to manage our housing issues.

Innovative development leaders from Los Angeles, Guangzhou and Auckland share their vision of how a city will function and thrive 25 years from now and how it is shaping the decisions they are making today. How are these innovation factors influencing design outcomes: SMART Technology Innovation and knowledge – economic and talent attraction Eco-city - sustainability Social and cultural shifts Guest speakers: Tom Gilmore, Partner, Gilmore Associates – Los Angeles Scott Pritchard, CEO of Precinct Properties – Auckland Mr. NG Kok Siong, CEO, Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City Investment and Development - Guangzhou

In association with the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI) Annual Conference. Joe Minicozzi, Principal of Urban3, pioneers in geo-spatial representation of economic productivity. This helps communities make better decisions through the understanding of data and design. Joe's work has prompted a paradigm shift in understanding the economic potency of well designed cities. Joe’s multidisciplinary expertise with city planning in the public and private sectors, as well as his ingenuity with real estate finance, prompted the development of his award-winning analytical tools that have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Planetizen, Planning, and New Urban News. Urban3’s research illustrates the benefits of urban density, heritage conservation and mixed-use developments. These have an economic impact that lead to creating sustainable and vibrant cities.

Changing Streets to Change the World by Auckland Council

Climate Solutions - Cities in Action by Auckland Council

Close To Home- Innovative Housing Solutions For Aucklanders by Auckland Council

Make Life Better- The Will Alsop Experience by Auckland Council

Hear about the inspirational Philharmonie de Paris, an exceptional architectural landmark and example of sustainable building. Equipped with several auditoriums, a media library, a museum and numerous learning spaces, the Philharmonie de Paris is a cultural centre that is truly unique in the world, bringing learning and music awareness to a diverse public. Chris Day was involved in the acoustical design of the auditorium with Pritzker prize winning architect, Jean Nouvel. Chris will tell us more about this ground-breaking project and some of the challenges they faced.

Gill Hicks, a double amputee as a result of the 2005 London bombings, shares her inspiring story at this free Auckland Conversations event. Learn how she overcomes the physical and emotional hurdles she faces every day and why she's devoted her life to working for peace.

City Limits: The Urbanisation Challenge by Auckland Council