Back to news & events

News

Ka Rū Ka Hā is taking shape

Posted 26 08 2026

in News

Image: uploads/2026_08/Big.png
The programme is coming together, our MC is confirmed, and earlybird registrations are open until 23 September.

With just over two months to go, Ka Rū Ka Hā | Awaken the Energy is taking shape, with the programme structure and timings now live and broadcaster James Daniels confirmed to guide us through the wānanga as MC.

Taking place in Ōtautahi Christchurch on 5 and 6 November, the Firth NZILA Wānanga will bring our landscape architecture community together for two days of kōrero, ideas, challenge, connection and experiences out in the city and landscape.


Meet our MC, James Daniels

James Daniels

A familiar voice to many New Zealanders, James brings more than four decades of broadcasting experience alongside an extensive background in governance, community and civic life.

During his broadcasting career, James co-hosted Newstalk ZB Afternoons with Simon Barnett, leading conversations on the issues that matter to New Zealanders.

His experience extends well beyond broadcasting. James has held governance roles with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tahu Property, served on the board of Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, and represented his community as a Christchurch City Councillor.

We’re looking forward to having James at the centre of Ka Rū Ka Hā, helping keep the kōrero moving, drawing out the interesting bits and connecting the threads across the two days.

 

See how the wānanga will unfold

The programme page has now been updated with the structure and timings for both days, giving you a much clearer picture of how the wānanga will unfold.

Across the programme you’ll find conversations and provocations, workshops, site visits and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the motu.

There is plenty more still to be revealed, with further session and speaker announcements coming over the weeks ahead.


A little something for our earlybirds

We’ve got two good reads to give away among our Ka Rū Ka Hā earlybird attendees.

Our Chair recently shared how much Let My People Go Surfing by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard resonated with him, particularly its thinking around leadership, purpose and doing business differently. That conversation sparked an idea: why not put a couple of those ideas into the hands of our wānanga community?

Everyone registered by the earlybird deadline will go in the draw to receive either Let My People Go Surfing or The Future of the Responsible Company by Yvon Chouinard and Vincent Stanley.

Already registered? You’re already in the draw.

Earlybird registrations are available until 23 September.

Explore the programme Register for Ka Rū Ka Hā