Futures CoLab: f2f Ōtautahi November 2026

Futures thinking  is often mentioned but rarely understood. It demands mental flossing and the ability to think both critically and creatively. Our  increasingly polarised and complex world needs new approaches.

Join Dr. Cheryl Doig, futurist at Think Beyond, for enriching collaborative conversations that will ground you in futures approaches. Five in-depth  face to face group sessions at Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre, St Asaph St, starting November 3rd as per dates below. Each session builds on the previous ones and so it is important that you attend all sessions. It is a great opportunity to mix with a group and form new futures relationships. 

The Futures CoLab is structured as a community of practice. Numbers are kept small so discussions can be rich. You’ll engage with futures tools and strategies through self paced online activities and readings using an internationally recognised online programme before bringing your knowledge and perspectives to in-person group sessions. Collectively, we’ll move beyond the theory, fostering a hands-on approach that empowers you to grow futures practices in your context.

We’ll work together to:

• Understand futures fundamentals: Delving into essential futures terms, concepts, and tools guided by the Six Pillars approach of Sohail Inayatullah - a world leading futurist and political scientist.

• Challenge assumptions: Engage in rich discussion about our different worldviews and lenses across the group.

• Contextualise Futures Studies: Connect futures approaches to your organisation and circumstances

• Suggest next steps: There are many doors to the future and opportunities to connect with a wider group of people interested in futures and foresight.
  

You’ll leave with:

• A basic understanding of futures and foresight: Experience and conversations around some of the commonly used practices and tools.

• Some new colleagues:  from diverse backgrounds.

• The opportunity to grow expertise across a network: the Ōtautahi Futures Collective, Aotearoa Futures Network and the wider Oceania futures ecosystem.

• Ongoing access to the Metafuture program: Access to a kete of tools, strategies and resources, enabling you to delve deeper into the methodologies of futures and foresight.

• Practical applications to use within your own context

The details:

This programme has two main components:

1. Interactive Group Sessions  

The  group sessions will be held at Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre, 50 St Asaph Street. Each session builds on the previous ones and so it is important that you attend all sessions. It is a great opportunity to mix with a diverse group and form new futures relationships. Dates are as follows:

Tuesday 3 November 17:30 - 19:00

Monday 9 November 17:30 - 19:00

Tuesday 24 November 17:00 - 20:00 (double session)

Tuesday 1 December 17:30 - 19:00

Monday 7 December 17:00 - 20:00 (double session)

The planned programme can be viewed here.

2. Online Become a Futurist Resource

The interactive group sessions use the Become a Futurist Futures Studies course as a springboard for conversation. This approach to futures thinking and practice (theories, methods, tools and processes) is based on the "Six Pillars" model developed by globally recognised futurist Dr Sohail Inayatullah.

In preparation for each face to face session you will work through aspects of the online programme. We use this as a backbone for conversations - but integrate discussion, practical activities and some local futures examples. 

About Cheryl:

Dr Cheryl Doig is a futurist, weaver and connector, often known as the #futuresaunty. Cheryl has a passion for growing futures literacy and foresight through her company, Think Beyond. She is the founder of the Ōtautahi Futures Collective and works extensively in the Aotearoa and Oceania Futures spaces. 

 
She is part of many global projects connected with intergenerational ambition and future generations. Cheryl is one of 12 futurists globally to be chosen as a Friend of the Forum, supporting the design and engagement with the Dubai Future Forum 2025 & 2026.

In 2017 Cheryl was a finalist in the NZ Westpac Women of Influence Awards, in the Innovation and Science category. She is an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the University of Canterbury and a professional member of the Association for Professional Futurists. 

Investment Details:

The total investment includes:

1. Face to Face CoLab:

$650 NZD for 10 hours of face to face hui over six weeks in a small group setting, led by expert futurist Dr Cheryl Doig.

1. Online programme:

$185 NZD Your investment includes registration to the ‘Futures 101 - Become a Futurist’  programme.

It's yours to use forever! It also provides a springboard towards a Certification of Completion from CFAR, TAMKANG UNIVERSITY. This certificate is issued by the Director of CFAR in cooperation with the Metafutureschool.

1. Personal Learning:

Between meetings you will need to spend 2-5 hours exploring modules from the Become a Futurist online programme.

Total investment:

$835NZ+gst     

Please contact us if you require an invoice for payment or wish to discuss subsidised entry. Discounts are available for group registrations.

The Refund Policy is located at the bottom of this page. Please read this before proceeding to checkout.