Hapori Aotearoa 2027: People, Place and Practice

10–11 March 2027 | All Saints, Burwood | Ōtautahi Christchurch

Held every two years, Hapori Aotearoa is a national gathering for people working in and alongside communities to create meaningful, lasting change.

Join us in Ōtautahi Christchurch for two days of connection, inspiration and shared learning, bringing together people from across Aotearoa to exchange ideas, celebrate what’s working and explore what community-led development looks like in practice.

Meet our keynote speakers

We're excited to welcome Dr Eruera Tarena, Dr Nicola Atwool, Anna Powell and Jo Randerson ONZM as keynote speakers for Hapori Aotearoa 2027. Each brings a different lens to the conversations, grounded in their own work with communities and creating change.

Meet our keynote speakers →
More exciting speaker and programme announcements are still to come.

People, Place and Practice

Strong communities are built through relationships, shaped by local context, and strengthened through the ways we work together. Our 2027 programme explores this through three interconnected streams:

- Local wisdom: Hear from local leaders and grassroots changemakers about what they’ve tried, what they’ve learned and the practical approaches making a difference in their communities.

- Creative community: Explore how storytelling, arts and creative practice can build connection, invite participation and help turn ideas into action.

- Transformational change: Look beyond individual projects to the bigger picture, exploring how local insights can influence systems change, foster collective wellbeing and create pathways towards a future grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Expect a varied and participatory programme of workshops, conversations, stories and creative experiences, with plenty of opportunities to connect with others doing this mahi across Aotearoa.

Whether you work in grassroots community development, local or central government, a community organisation, philanthropy, research, social services or another role supporting communities, Hapori Aotearoa is a place to connect, learn and contribute.

Tickets

Early Bird - Community and non-profit organisations $325.00 + GST and booking fees

Early Bird - Local and central government, funders and business $645.00 + GST and booking fees

Early birds tickets are limited and will be available until the allocation is exhausted or 1 December 2026, whichever comes first.

General Admission - Community and non-profit organisations $425.00 + GST and booking fees

General Admission - Local and central government, funders and business $745.00 + GST and booking fees

What’s included

Tea, coffee, snacks and lunch will be provided on both conference days. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know about any dietary requirements when purchasing your ticket.

At the end of day one, join us for a networking opportunity to connect with others, share reflections from the day and continue the conversations sparked throughout the conference.

Find out more

Visit the Hapori Aotearoa 2027 conference webpage to find out more about the conference, our speakers and programme updates.

You can also subscribe to the Inspiring Communities pānui for further programme announcements, speaker updates and the latest conference news.

Hapori Aotearoa 2027 is proudly presented by Inspiring Communities in partnership with the Social Equity & Wellbeing Network (SEWN), Christchurch City Council, and collaborators from across Aotearoa.

Contact us: kiaora@inspiringcommunities.org.nz