Kia Tika, Kia Pono—For A Just Society
Join us for a kōrero to imagine, articulate, and collaborate for a just society.
In Aotearoa, we know very well what our most pressing problems are—poverty, inequity, ecological destruction, and climate change. But we are much less sure about the pathways out of these crises—pathways that will lead us to a socially, economically and ecologically just society.
Economists, environmental and medical experts, social scientists, Iwi, and community organisations are warning that the health of our country is eroding. Decades of declining investment in state services and public infrastructure, and an economy that prioritises private wealth accumulation above collective care, have created an unbalanced country in which many struggle to provide the basics of a decent life and in which the environment continues to be degraded by exploitative practices.
A reset is needed.
Aotearoa is not alone in seeking a new framework for a society built on equity and justice for all. Here and abroad, researchers, scholars and activists offer solutions and analysis that can help us move confidently onto a pathway towards a just society anchored in human dignity and respect for planetary boundaries.
This conference will be a kōrero of scholars, activists, community builders, economists, and legal experts who can help us imagine, articulate and collaborate for a just society.
Speakers include:
- Boyd Scirkovich (Chief Economic Development and Investment Officer, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira)
- Marilyn Waring (feminist, former politician, author, academic, and activist for female human rights and environmental issues)
- James Belich (Historian)
- Meihana Durie (CEO/Tumuaki Te Wānanga o Raukawa)
- Carwyn Jones (a Kaihautū of Te Whare Whakatupu Mātauranga, and lead academic in the Ahunga Tikanga (Māori Laws and Philosophy) programme at Te Wānanga o Raukawa)
- Gareth Hughes (Director Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa NZ)
- Frances Hancock (2026 JD Stout Fellow) and Pania Newton (co-founder #ProtectIhumātao campaign)
- Bianca Elkington (General Manager Education and Employment, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira)
- Clive Aspin and Heather Came (Marsden Project leads ‘Honourable Kāwanatanga’)
- Fleur Fitzsimons (National Secretary Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi)
- Edward Miller (Researcher, Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research)
- Rebecca Kiddle and James Berghan (Director and senior research fellow at Te Manawahoukura, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa)
- Leslynne Jackson (Project Lead Maanaki Tāirawhiti)
- Robert McClean and Ashleigh Sagar (Principal Adviser and Resource Management advisor, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira).
Optional field trip at additional cost. Places are limited.
1.45 pm—Bus leaves from Bunny Street, Wellington (outside Rutherford House), for Porirua.
Welcome to the waterfront, Porirua.
Short walk around the waterfront with kōrero about the history of the harbour.
A visit to Kaitahi and an introduction to the BizHUB.
Visit to Pātaka Art + Museum and the Mutumutu ki mukukai waterways exhibition. Participants are to buy their own coffee/cake at the Pātaka café.
4.30 pm—Bus departs from Norrie Street, Porirua to Rutherford House, Wellington.
| Conference timeline | |
|---|---|
| Thursday 16 April |
1.30 pm—Registration 2 pm—Conference opens Keynote lectures until 5 pm |
| Friday 17 April |
9 am to 5.15 pm—Presentations Followed by a drinks function until 6.30 pm |
| Saturday 18 April | 9 am to 1.15 pm—Presentations |
| Conference fee | Plus GST |
|---|---|
| Early bird full registration before 1 April | $180.00 |
| Full registration after 1 April | $200.00 |
| Student /unwaged full registration | $100.00 |
| One day (Friday) registration | $100.00 |
| Optional—Field trip Porirua. (Saturday afternoon). | $45.00 |
| Online webinar | $50.00 |