IAP2 Australasia 2024 New Zealand Symposium
Changing Tomorrow, Together
Held on 21 - 22 March 2024 | Ōtautahi Christchurch
Each year, the New Zealand Symposium brings together engagement practitioners, community development practitioners, communications and marketing professionals and academics to explore the diverse and challenging topic of community and stakeholder engagement.
This year's theme, Changing Tomorrow, Together, invited exploration into a rich tapestry of engaging topics. Aligned in a shared mission for positive community transformation, the conference delved into diverse subjects, navigating political dynamics, fostering cultural engagement, addressing equity and social risk, and unlocking the potential of AI and technology. Take a look back at this transformative event, where collective wisdom converged to shape a resilient and sustainable future.
The event also included insightful Site Tours and a Welcome Reception, providing exceptional networking opportunities for attendees. Our programme was capped off with an Open Space session which embodied a participant-driven meeting format, where attendees engaged in dynamic knowledge exchange.
Our wonderful MC, Paul Mc Gregor, adeptly led us through the course of two days, skillfully intertwining numerous elements to bring together a successful programme:
The Symposium commenced by Setting the Scene - Advancing Engagement: Assessing the Landscape of Practice in Aotearoa with Chris Mene and Danielle Hamilton.
Keynote sessions included Futurist Dave Wild's interactive Futures Thinking experience, where attendees actively learnt new engagement tools that can be immediately apply in their practice – from ‘Amplify Hidden Voices’ to ‘Evolve Beyond Best Practice'.
Anjum Rahman, Project Co-Lead of Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono, explored how to form connections across diverse communities, igniting inspiration, and fostering a sense of belonging. Showing that together, we can unite and shape a future of inclusivity.
Our Breakout Sessions covered diverse topics including democratic lotteries, disinformation, and practitioner wellbeing, aiming to empower inclusive and resilient community practices.
- Using Democratic Lotteries To Power Citizen Involvement - with Dr. Sonia Randhawa
- The Lorax in the Algorithm - with Kevin Miniter
- Picking a New Pathway: collaborating to create consolidated engagement - with Claire Fletcher
- Exploring Engagement Evolution: Contemporary Perspectives on the Spectrum - with Anne Pattillo
- Distrust, Disinformation and Disruption in Community Engagement Practice - with Jacob Quinn, Chris Mene, Sara Templeton, Juliet Speedy and Katy McRae
- Wellington City Council’s Citizens’ Assembly - with Lexy Seedhouse and Anne Cunningham
- When Two Worlds Collide – Data-Driven Insights and Emotion-Driven Behaviour Change - with Sue-Ellen Craig and Steve Dudley
- Empowering Engagement Methods For Building Community-Focused Housing and Resilient Neighbourhoods - with Zola Rose
- Young People Aren’t Welcome - Bays Skate and Scooter Project - with Tara King and Megan Carpenter
- Marlborough Sounds Future Access Study - with Andrew Maughan, Neil Henry and Courtney McCrostie
- Are We Doing Enough To Protect Engagement Practitioners’ Wellbeing and Health? - with Kylie Cochrane, Sonya Leahy and Norma Kloosterman
- Pōti mā te ringa, kaua mā te waha (Get Out and Vote, Don’t Just Sit Idly and Complain) - with Kanewa Harrison
- Sharing Stories: A Catalyst For Community Collaboration and Ownership - with Bridget Lange and Kate Doran
- Mindful Engagement - with Natasha Turnbull