Aotearoa Futures Forum 2026: Whiria te Anamata - The Great Re-Weaving

Whiria te Anamata - The Great Re-Weaving

Acknowledge I Release I Transform

It is time to challenge the systems of the past, let go of the mindsets that are holding us back and be unafraid. The three themes of this year’s Aotearoa Futures Forum 2026 provide the opportunity to confront today and re-weave the future. Futures thinking and foresight practices have never been more important.

Purpose of Forum: 

The Aotearoa Futures Forum connects those who hold responsibility for shaping, stewarding, and resourcing futures at local, regional, or national levels. 

The three strands woven throughout the day provides the opportunity to navigate uncertain times together and gain tangible ideas to take away:

Acknowledge the current state | Where do we stand at this point at this time? What viewpoints and worldviews are critical at micro and macro levels? 

Release the old systems and mindsets | How do we confront the used future, hospice the old systems and envision new possibilities?

Transform the system | What practical steps can we take to weave a new system? How might we build momentum and keep connected? What does being a good ancestor look like in practice?

Who should attend?

This gathering of people interested in futures and foresight provides a unique connecting point whether you are an advanced futures practitioner or are curious about where to start. Rather than a large conference, the Forum is a place to engage with people from many different backgrounds, generations and industries. 

What will the day look like?

The programme is currently being woven together, we will be posting the full programme by the end of May.

The day includes an opening keynotes, lightning talks, participatory sharing, workshops and expert groups. The Forum is capped at 60 attendees people. There will also be an opportunity to meet socially after the Forum.

Opening Keynote:

Whiria te Muka Tangata: A Practical Approach to Weaving Futures

Dr Eruera McGlinchey and Awhine McGlinchey, Co-Directors Tokona te Rakia

Whiria te Muka has been developed and tested multiple times over the past 5 years as a practical process for weaving change through systems. Drawing upon global future's thinking and our tikanga Maori, we have woven and tested a practical process toolkit that we would like to share.

The Full Programme is Now Available!

We are committed to building future-focussed, intergenerational and long-term solution-making in Aotearoa. 

We value treaty partnership and exploring futures and foresight from an Oceania perspective.

Kotahi te aho ka whati, ki te kāpuia e kore e whati

One strand of flax is easy to break, but many strands together will stand strong.

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Brought to you by Ako Ōtautahi Learning City Christchurch and supported by Think Beyond and UnQuiet, the Forum draws on the expertise of many within the wider futures and foresight community throughout Aotearoa and Oceania.