Firth NZILA Wānanga 2026
5-6 November 2026
Join us in Ōtautahi, a city shaped by change and ongoing renewal
This November, the Firth NZILA Wānanga brings the profession together for two days of connection, challenge, and shared direction.
Grounded in Ka Rū Ka Hā — Awaken the Energy, the 2026 wānanga explores how we respond to change across our landscapes, our communities, and our practice. In Ōtautahi, that kōrero sits within a city that continues to evolve, offering a powerful context for how we design, lead, and work together.
Ka Rū Ka Hā — the theme
There’s a moment before things shift. You can feel it building in the whenua, in people, and in the way ideas start to move.
Ka Rū Ka Hā speaks to that moment. A stirring of energy, purpose, and collective momentum across our profession.
Share your whakaaro
We’re now inviting expressions of interest for speakers and contributors for Ka Rū Ka Hā 2026.
This is not a traditional conference call. We’re looking for kōrero, workshops, conversations and stories that connect with the kaupapa of Ka Rū Ka Hā, and help shape a programme grounded in connection, challenge and collective momentum.
Expressions of interest close 5 June 2026.
What’s coming
We’re building a programme grounded in kōrero, wānanga, and shared experience.
- Speaker and contributor call now open
- Programme details coming soon
- Tickets opening soon
Resene NZILA Awards
The NZILA Awards will be held alongside the wānanga, celebrating the people and projects shaping our landscapes.
Stay close to it
Members will receive updates directly as things develop.
We’ll keep this page updated as the wānanga continues to take shape.
Thank you
Thank you to Firth our naming rights sponsor.
The Institute acknowledges that the Awards programme is made possible through the generous support of our partners.
Further sponsorship and exhibition opportunities will be available shortly. Watch this space! Get in touch with events@nzila.co.nz to get on the list.