There’s still enough time to head along to the events listed below, and to hear from Local Government Mayoral contenders about their approaches to complex urban issues. Look for a UDF member on arrival if you have trouble registering.
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A golden opportunity to hear from Local Government election candidates on their stance on key urban issues took place at Bell Gully on the Wellington waterfront on Tuesday as a ‘brown paper bag’ lunchtime event.
The 2025 contenders at this event were Diane Calvert, Alex Baker and Andrew Little (Wellington) and Peri Zee (Upper Hutt).
The same format – as organised by the Urban Development Institute of NZ (UDINZ) and the Urban Design Forum (UDF Aotearoa) – will then be repeated in Christchurch, at the Ara Institute of Canterbury – on Thursday – and Auckland, also at Bell Gully – on Friday. The event was prompted by wanting to know how many of those seeking office in our three main metropolitan areas are genuine urbanists.
If you’re a member/ friend of UDF Aotearoa please add that into your (free) registration here: https://udinz-mayoral-insights-on-urban-issues.lilregie.com/booking/attendees/new
The details for Christchurch are:
📅Thursday 28 August at the Ara Institute, Madras Street
⏰11.45am for a 12pm sharp start
Hear from:
🔊Phil Mauger
🔊Sara Templeton
🔊Ali Jones
🔊Dan Gordon
The details for Auckland are:
📅Friday 29 August at Bell Gully, Deloitte Centre Level 14/1 Queen Street
⏰11.45am for a 12pm sharp start
Hear from:
🔊Wayne Brown
🔊Kerrin Leonie
🔊Ted Johnston
🔊Patrick Reynolds
See further details here linkedin.com
The kinds of opening questions that will be asked relate to three key areas: Intergenerational Vision, noting that decisions today shape the city for decades to come; Sustainable Infrastructure Funding, because funding our current and future infrastructure is one of the biggest barriers to sustainable growth; and Adapting To Future Challenges, given our cities face major shifts – from climate change to an ageing population and rapid technological change.
