Ōtautahi Christchurch is a city of curiosity and creativity. Our monthly meeting provides an informal opportunity to connect with others who are interested in futures and foresight. As simple as that really!

Catalyst for Conversation this month:

Reactance Meets Weak Signals

This month’s What if Wednesday conversation springboard's off a post by Quantitative Futurist Amy Webb. Amy shares examples of Reactance:

"When a freedom is threatened, we don't just want it back.

We want it back more than we ever valued it when we had it."

What weak signals of reactance in action are emerging?

What are the unintended consequences that might eventuate?

What if we tried some other approaches?

These questions are just a catalyst to start the conversation, not an end in themselves. Keep looking for weak signals - the wackier the better. In reality our conversation will head in directions that are yet to be discovered!

No experience needed. Please register though.

Recommended Reading

Amy Webb LinkedIn post

Reactance Theory

Host: Cheryl Doig

Dr Cheryl Doig is a leadership 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, Aotearoa Futures and Oceania Futures and a Future Fellow at Design Futures Aotearoa. 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.

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How will the event run?

The conversation will take place at Beat Street Cafe from 8:00am - 9:00am. You will need to order and pay for your own coffee, food etc on arrival. The host will introduce the topic and ignite the session with some provocative challenges. There will be a chance to talk through this, and deepen thinking. Meeting together with curiosity and openness is part of us continuing to develop futures mindsets and being open to diverse perspectives. The conversation and connection is important - let's make it fun!

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Registration

You do need to register for this event so we can let Beat Street know how many to expect. And if you register please turn up. If you are up for the challenge sign up now!

Cheryl

Futures Aunty, Think Beyond

Contact the host of What if Wednesday October 14 2026