Soil health is of critical importance to ecologies that support and sustain life, even in the context of a city.

Soil carries out a range of fundamental functions: it is a source of food and nutrition, supports plant life, filters water and protects us against flooding. It is interconnected and interwoven with other elements, like water, air, fauna and flora.

In te ao Māori, this understanding is deeply embedded in knowledge and practices.

Knowing soil’s importance to the wellbeing of living systems, it follows that we should be making soil health a key part of how we build our cities. After all, urban systems and living systems are also interrelated.

So, what do we need to do? What urban forms can support healthy urban soil? What potential does soil hold to improve the health of our urban spaces and neighbourhoods? What does this positive transformation look like?

Join us for this He Whakawhiti Kōrero Christchurch Conversation as we explore the practices, design choices and strategies that support soil health, and, in turn, that of other living things.

First, we serve up some quick-fire presentations.

Hear from our featured speakers:

Juanita Hepi (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi), native plant kaitiaki and storyteller
Zoë Avery Director, The Urbanist; Associate Director of Design, School of Architecture and Planning, University of Auckland

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen and highly regrettable circumstances, Jessica Hutchings (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Huirapa, Gujarati), kaupapa Māori researcher, activist and hua parakore grower is no longer able to travel to attend as planned.

We then move to a panel discussion and Q & A, chaired by Te Pūtahi director, Jessica Halliday (Sacha McMeeking is unable to chair this event as originally promoted).

Finally, we close the evening with some soil-inspired words from multidisciplinary storyteller Juanita Hepi (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi).

6-7.30pm, Tuesday 26 November
Doors open 5.30pm
TSB Space, Level 1 of Tūranga.
60 Cathedral Sq

This is a free public event, but bookings are required. You can join us in person or online.

The Christchurch Conversations 2024 programme is supported by the Christchurch City Council through the Sustainability Fund and has the curatorial support of Amanda Yates from AUT He Puna Ora Regenerative Action Lab.

Getting here

Find this building on Google maps.

Visit the Metro website to plan your journey

Check out the mobility parking map.

Getting inside

There are accessible entrances from Gloucester Street and Cathedral Square

There is a ramp to access the Gloucester Street entrance Building accessibility

The building is step-free

There are accessible, gender-neutral bathrooms available on-site

There are places to sit and rest inside the building

Please contact us if you have any questions about accessibility for this event at hello@teputahi.org.nz.

Contact the host of Christchurch Conversations: Building for soil health