Finding Pathways To Equity In Aotearoa

An extraordinary line-up of researchers, iwi leaders, economists, community builders, activists and legal experts are gathering in Wellington from 16 to18 April to explore practical pathways towards an equitable life for all in Aotearoa.

An extraordinary line-up of researchers, iwi leaders, economists, community builders, activists and legal experts are gathering in Wellington from 16 to18 April to explore practical pathways towards an equitable life for all in Aotearoa.

The conference, Kia Tika, Kia Pono—For a Just Society, hosted by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s Stout Research Centre for New Zealand Studies, will address critical structural challenges to build a fairer society for all.

Stout Centre Director, Professor Brigitte Bönisch-Brednich says, “This conference could not be more timely, as whānau, communities and the environment bear the brunt of accumulating stresses, including a summer of extreme weather events, persistent cost of living pressures, marine and freshwater ecosystems under increasing strain, and the war in the Middle East revealing our dependence on fragile global supply lines.”

The programme is diverse, with speakers including Marilyn Waring, James Belich, Matthew Scobie, Meihana Durie, Boyd Scirkovich, Gareth Hughes, Fleur Fitzsimons, Carwyn Jones, Pania Newton, Frances Hancock, Heather Came, Clive Aspin, Edward Miller, Rebecca Kiddle, James Berghan, Bianca Elkington, and more.

Professor Brigitte Bönisch-Brednich says, “While universities can help research the solutions, real change happens through partnerships that turn those ideas into action. This conference aims to show how we might pave the way to a more just society for all in Aotearoa.”

Vice Chancellor Nic Smith will open the conference on Thursday afternoon.

“Universities are the critic and conscience of society. They are places where ideas are tested, debated and challenged; where knowledge and wisdom are sought; and where fresh thinking can be applied to ageold problems. Kia Tika, Kia Pono reflects our commitment to bringing that intellectual courage into conversation with communities,” he says.

The conference follows on from the Pakukore: Poverty, By Design conference held by the Stout Centre in November 2024. It will be held in Te Herenga Waka’s Pipitea Campus (Rutherford House) in central Wellington.

Stout Centre Director, Professor Brigitte Bönisch-Brednich says, “This conference could not be more timely, as whānau, communities and the environment bear the brunt of accumulating stresses, including a summer of extreme weather events, persistent cost of living pressures, marine and freshwater ecosystems under increasing strain, and the war in the Middle East revealing our dependence on fragile global supply lines.”

The programme is diverse, with speakers including Marilyn Waring, James Belich, Matthew Scobie, Meihana Durie, Boyd Scirkovich, Gareth Hughes, Fleur Fitzsimons, Carwyn Jones, Pania Newton, Frances Hancock, Heather Came, Clive Aspin, Edward Miller, Rebecca Kiddle, James Berghan, Bianca Elkington, and more.

Professor Brigitte Bönisch-Brednich says, “While universities can help research the solutions, real change happens through partnerships that turn those ideas into action. This conference aims to show how we might pave the way to a more just society for all in Aotearoa.”

Vice Chancellor Nic Smith will open the conference on Thursday afternoon.

“Universities are the critic and conscience of society. They are places where ideas are tested, debated and challenged; where knowledge and wisdom are sought; and where fresh thinking can be applied to ageold problems. Kia Tika, Kia Pono reflects our commitment to bringing that intellectual courage into conversation with communities,” he says.

The conference follows on from the Pakukore: Poverty, By Design conference held by the Stout Centre in November 2024. It will be held in Te Herenga Waka’s Pipitea Campus (Rutherford House) in central Wellington.

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