Join UDF

Does this sound like you?

Membership of the UDF is open to anyone who is interested in urban design and cares about the quality of the built environment and life in our towns and cities and wants to recognise the value of imaginative and innovative urban design initiatives across the country.

As well as urban designers, our membership spans planners, architects, landscape architects, engineers, surveyors, politicians, academics, developers, students and many others.

What is the UDF focused on?

As set out in the UDF Constitution its objectives include:

• encouraging the better urban design of our cities, towns and regions
• providing a forum where ideas and comment about urban design can be expressed
• bringing before government authorities, public and other bodies any matters affecting urban design
• co-operating and liaising with any individuals or groups who have with an interest in urban design

How do I Join?

Our Admin capacity is going through a transition to new systems. To initiate a request to join the UDF please send an email to manager@urbandesignforum.org.nz with ‘Membership Request’ in the subject line. You will then be sent a form to submit back to us, which will be followed by an Invoice.

Subscriptions are normally set to renew on 31 March 2026. A notification on details for 2026/27 is being distributed to all existing and past members prior to the next cycle.

The Member fee is currently set in three tiers. A ‘bridging change’ to align for a shift to a June-July year will see the amount to be invoiced undergo an adjustment for a longer period of April to June 2027, as follows:

• Standard: In the workforce at a for-profit/ commercial/ public sector organisation: $120.00
  
• NFP: In the workforce at a Not-for-Profit organisation: $25 .00
  
• Student: Student Membership (upon provision of an ac.nz email address): Free.

How else can I get involved?

• Every two years there is an opportunity for Members to be put forward for the UDF National Committee. The next cycle for this will take place later this year (2026).
  
• Offers of assistance running events in support of the National Committee are always welcomed – this may include roles like taking photographs or helping with event management tasks.
  
• UDF welcomes ‘opinion piece’ contributions and ideas for content for publication on the UDF site. Email your suggestions to manager@urbandesignforum.org.nz (assistance with preparing articles is available)
  
• Generally if you know of or can provide pointers to news or resources relevant to urban design please let us know. The UDF website is being refreshed in 2026 to act as more of a ‘newsroom’ for members.