Auckland Conversations

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....

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 deploye...

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...

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...

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 unpr...

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...

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 i...

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 u...

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...

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, a...

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 princi...

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...

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 Gue...

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...

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...

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