Speakers

Our 2026 Wānanga brings together voices from across design, planning, research, culture, practice and public life, each bringing a different perspective to the kōrero.

We’ll keep adding to this page as more speakers and programme details are announced.

International Keynote

Alison Page

Dharawal and Yuin Designer and Artist
Director, Indigenous Institute for Designing with Country, University of Technology Sydney

Alison Page is a Dharawal and Yuin Designer and Artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans almost 30 years, bringing together traditional knowledges and storytelling with urban design, landscape architecture, public art and interiors.

As Director of the Indigenous Institute for Designing with Country at the University of Technology Sydney, Alison advocates for First Nations perspectives as foundational to Australian design practice. She was inducted into the Design Institute of Australia Hall of Fame in 2015 and received the Interior Design Excellence Awards Gold Medal in 2022. She also spent eight years as a panellist on ABC television’s The New Inventors.

In 2021, Alison co-authored Design: Building on Country with Paul Memmott, published as part of Thames & Hudson Australia’s First Knowledges series. At Ka Rū Ka Hā, she will explore design as an act of listening to Country, Ancestors and the knowledge embedded in place, and how ancient wisdom can be brought into conversation with contemporary life.

Emeritus Professor Hirini Matunga

Ko Ngai Tahu, Kati Mamoe, Ngati Kahungunu, Rongowhakaata, Ngati Porou oku iwi

Emeritus Professor Hirini Matunga is an internationally respected leader in Indigenous planning, design, environmental management, policy and heritage management.

In 2026, Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University awarded Hirini the honorary title of Emeritus Professor in recognition of his influence, reputation and contribution to Indigenous self-determination. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Town Planning from the University of Auckland in 1983, he spent a decade working as a planner across local, regional and central government, alongside work with iwi and Māori organisations throughout Aotearoa.

Hirini joined Lincoln University in 1992, later becoming Director of the Centre for Māori and Indigenous Planning and Development. He went on to serve for nine years as Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Māori and Pasifika) and also as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Communities), before returning his focus to teaching and research.

He received the New Zealand Planning Institute’s inaugural Papa Pounamu Award in 2015 and Lincoln University’s Ngāti Moki Trophy for Māori Leadership in 2024.

Sibyl Bloomfield

Landscape architect, senior lecturer and researcher | AUT

Pākehā, Waikato, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngai Te Rangi

Sibyl Bloomfield is a landscape architect, senior lecturer and researcher working in Huri te Ao, the School of Future Environments at AUT, within the Architecture and Future Environments programme.

Her research explores systems change, participatory and co-design practices, Indigenous built environment practices, Moananui Living Systems revitalisation, climate change and adaptation in the Pacific, and approaches to resilience and adaptive capacity grounded in Indigenous and place-based knowledges.

Sibyl is particularly interested in weaving western and Indigenous Māori and Moana-nui Oceania knowledge systems, alongside the development and indigenisation of built environment education.

Nik Kneale

NZILA Fellow | Principal Landscape Architect, Isthmus

Nik is an NZILA Fellow and Principal Landscape Architect with Isthmus, based in Ōtautahi. He has played an active role in shaping waterfronts, urban centres, public facilities and regenerating environments across Aotearoa.

Since 2011, Nik has contributed to Christchurch’s post-earthquake regeneration through multiple urban and river corridor projects, helping strengthen connections between people and place. His work brings regenerative approaches and Indigenous perspectives into contemporary design, with a focus on understanding the real need before shaping the response.

Nik sees strong parallels between te ao Māori and his own place-based approach. He works collaboratively with councils, iwi, government agencies, developers and community groups, valuing open communication, shared ideas and a design-led process.

Seeing his now-adult children take pride in their regenerating city brings him particular joy, and a sense that through challenging times Ōtautahi is moving towards a future-focused city more in tune with its environment.

MC

James Daniels

Broadcaster, board member and former Christchurch City Councillor

James Daniels brings more than four decades of experience across broadcasting, governance and civic life to his role as MC of Ka Rū Ka Hā.

During a 45-year broadcasting career, James co-hosted Newstalk ZB’s Afternoons with Simon Barnett, leading conversations on issues that matter to New Zealanders. He also served on Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu during Sir Mark Solomon’s 19-year period as chair, and spent five years on the board of Ngāi Tahu Property. He has also served on the board of Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand.

In 2019, James was elected as a Christchurch City Councillor, later leaving the role to return to Newstalk ZB.

Away from the mic, James spends time with his five children and eight mokopuna, sings cabaret with his trio The Pack Rats, and is an avid reader of non-fiction and biography.