Paying it Forward

 

Charlotte, founder of Alki Design, shares her journey from a leaky childhood home to a career in architecture focused on redefining sustainability. She challenges the short-term mindset dominating the built environment, advocating for small, conscious design choices that ripple beyond individual projects. Using Newton’s Laws as a lens, Charlotte explores global resource imbalances and calls on designers to "pay it forward"—inspiring a regenerative future, one decision at a time. 

Outlook for the NZ Economy

 

High interest rates are no longer with us and business and consumer sentiment levels have improved to varying degrees. Economic recovery is underway but there are many factors which will constrain the strength of this upturn . Businesses will remain under pressure to rebuild compressed margins amidst an uncertain external trading environment but the upturn in the housing cycle will have flow-on effects to many parts of the economy.  

The Dunedin Study

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Professor Reremoana (Moana) Theodore (Ngāpuhi) is the Director of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (the Dunedin Study). Previous roles include being the Director of the National Centre for Lifecourse Research, a Councillor of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, and a Ministerial-appointment board member of the Southern District Health Board. 

What’s Coming Next — And What Will Still Matter When It Does

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The future arrives faster than you think — and often messier than you expect. Ben Taylor shares a front-row view from one of the most tech-heavy industries on earth: sports broadcasting. From AI to augmented reality, Ben unpacks what’s coming, what’s hype, and what actually works when the pressure’s on. But this isn’t just a talk about technology — it’s about people. About creativity, resilience, and the very human skills that still matter most in a world moving at warp speed. 

Acknowledging 'Va': Navigating Cultural Engagement in Pasifika Architecture

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Drawing on lived experience and practice, this kōrero explores how spirituality, collective identity, and traditional Pasifika knowledge shape contemporary architecture. Case studies show how cultural narratives and technology enhance sustainable design. Architects, designers, and planners are invited to see cultural engagement not as a duty, but as an opportunity to create spaces that honour indigenous knowledge, strengthen identity, and build resilience for an exciting, uncertain future. 

Design and collaboration with Iwi Māori

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This session explores collaboration in a cultural context—where to begin, how to express values, and ways to build genuine, meaningful relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders. We’ll discuss key steps to strengthen these connections throughout a project, as well as the challenges and risks. Attendees will gain practical insights and guidance to navigate culturally grounded collaboration with confidence and respect. 

Minister Address via video

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Chris Penk is the Minister for Building and Construction, Minister for Land Information, Minister for Veterans, Associate Minister of Defence and Associate Minister of Immigration. He is also local MP for the Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate in Auckland’s rural north and northwest. 

The Hunt for a Good Idea

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Pete and Miriam lead a joint session.

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Architects draw things, expressing intentions. Can the reverse occur: can the ideas emerge from the drawing? 

A playful session of exercises to explore possibilities whereby abstract drawings might generate architectural ideas. 

The Hunt for a Good Idea

​

Pete and Miriam lead a joint session.

​

Architects draw things, expressing intentions. Can the reverse occur: can the ideas emerge from the drawing? 

A playful session of exercises to explore possibilities whereby abstract drawings might generate architectural ideas. 

Industry Update from MBIE

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Suzannah Toulmin is Manager for the Building Consenting and Practitioners Policy at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The Consenting and Practitioners policy team provides policy advice on the building regulatory system to support the construction of safe, healthy, and durable buildings, with a focus on consenting, occupational regulation and consumer protection.

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Current priorities include work to deliver a more streamlined building consent system, including work on remote inspections and granny flats, and mandating the approval of overseas building products and systems.  

Suzannah has held a number of public sector policy roles and has experience working in the private energy and resources sector.

3 x 10

 

DCA Architects of Transformation turns 30 in January 2026. Founder and Managing Director, Darryl Church takes you on a journey of projects across three decades. Each selected project is presented by a unique perspective, a lesson in relationships, changes in legislation, advancing technology, social, cultural, economic and sustainable impacts. These are personal lived experiences that have formed the foundations of the values and beliefs of the current practice.  

Built Off-Site, Judged On-site

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Paul and Andrew lead a joint session.

 

Off-site construction is as old as the pyramids - yet we still question its potential. Volumetric modular off-site construction represents the pinnacle of this approach, promising faster build times, greater efficiency. It purports to improve sustainability outcomes by reducing waste and minimising environmental impact. But does it really deliver?  

The Great North Road Apartment Development for Kāinga Ora offers valuable insight – an example of modular construction at scale.  So why hasn’t this model cemented itself in large-scale development? 

Built Off-Site, Judged On-site

​

Paul and Andrew lead a joint session.

 

Off-site construction is as old as the pyramids - yet we still question its potential. Volumetric modular off-site construction represents the pinnacle of this approach, promising faster build times and greater efficiency. It purports to improve sustainability outcomes by reducing waste and minimising environmental impact. But does it really deliver?  

The Great North Road Apartment Development for Kāinga Ora offers valuable insight – an example of modular construction at scale.  So why hasn’t this model cemented itself in large-scale development? 

Building Capability for a Stronger Future: The Role of the Construction Growth Foundation

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The Construction Growth Foundation, supports growth and capability in New Zealand’s construction sector. Representing 17 industry associations, 10,000 employers, and 16,000 learners, CGF drives sector-wide development through strategic partnerships and funding. This session highlights CGF’s initiatives, including governance training, scholarships, and leadership development - offering insight into how CGF fosters collaboration, builds capability, and invests in a sustainable construction workforce for the future. 

Could Creativity be the Cure?

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This session explores circular design and its role in reducing future environmental burdens. Through the story of building a backyard pond entirely from salvaged materials, Pippin will present an impactful response to today’s challenges. They also introduce “knolling”—the practice of arranging objects methodically—as a surprising but effective strategy for creating order, fostering mindfulness, and inspiring change in a chaotic world. 

George Street: Whakapapa of Place

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The George Street upgrade revitalises Dunedin’s historic retail precinct, countering the rise of online shopping by drawing people back to a pedestrian-focused, accessible city centre. Through co-design with Kāi Tahu, cultural values and whakapapa are embedded into the streetscape. This inclusive, place-based transformation supports economic growth, honours Mana Whenua, and repositions George Street as the social and commercial heart of the city.

Back to the Future

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This session explores the wisdom of traditional design practices and how they can inform and enhance contemporary approaches to sustainability and energy efficiency. By looking back at the use of natural materials—such as untreated timber—and early sustainable design principles, we uncover valuable insights into low-impact, climate-responsive building methods. The session will delve into concepts like embodied energy and how material choices affect a building’s lifetime environmental footprint. 

Design as Ecosystem: Where Innovation Grows, Identity Evolves, and Impact Takes Root

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Damien van Brandenburg presents the philosophy behind Architecture van Brandenburg’s organically inspired design approach—where architecture is conceived not as isolated form, but as a living ecosystem. Through a deep dive into some of the studio’s projects, including the Marisfrolg Headquarters in Shenzhen, Damien illustrates how biomimicry, design modelling, and sustainable methodologies converge to shape a design language—one that nurtures both environmental impact and cultural identity.