It is time to challenge the systems of the past, let go of the mindsets that are holding us back and be unafraid. The three themes of Aotearoa Futures Forum 2026 provide the opportunity to confront today and re-weave the future. Futures thinking and foresight practices have never been more important.

Purpose of Forum: 

The Aotearoa Futures Forum connects those who hold responsibility for shaping, stewarding, and resourcing futures at local, regional, or national levels. 

The three strands woven throughout the day provides the opportunity to navigate uncertain times together and gain tangible ideas to take away:

Acknowledge the current state | Where do we stand at this point at this time? What viewpoints and worldviews are critical at micro and macro levels? 

Release the old systems and mindsets | How do we confront the used future, hospice the old systems and envision new possibilities?

Transform the system | What practical steps can we take to weave a new system? How might we build momentum and keep connected? What does being a good ancestor look like in practice?

Who should attend?

This gathering of people interested in futures and foresight provides a unique connecting point whether you are an advanced futures practitioner or are curious about where to start. Rather than a large conference, the Forum is a place to engage with people from many different backgrounds, generations and industries. 

Interested in speaking or hosting a workshop at the Forum?

We’re entering the decade of transitions, climate, digital, demographic, governance and more. This Forum positions Aotearoa as a global prototype for systems transformation grounded in tikanga, whakapapa, and future intelligence. We invite speakers with broad-levels of experience driving futures or foresight practices in their sectors. We love sessions that are interactive, informative and leave participants with practical and workable solutions to use within their mahi.

What will the day look like?

The programme is currently being woven together, with expressions of interest to present now open. The day will provide a mixture of short keynotes, lightning talks, participatory sharing, workshops and panels. The Forum is capped at 100 attendees. There will also be an opportunity to meet socially over drinks and dinner after the Forum.

We are committed to building future-focussed, intergenerational and long-term solution-making in Aotearoa. 

We value treaty partnership and exploring futures and foresight from an Oceania perspective. . .

Kotahi te aho ka whati, ki te kāpuia e kore e whati

One strand of flax is easy to break, but many strands together will stand strong.

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Brought to you by Ako Ōtautahi Learning City Christchurch and supported by Think Beyond and UnQuiet, the Forum draws on the expertise of many within the wider futures and foresight community throughout Aotearoa and Oceania.