This event is supported by the Engagement Institute Local Network Grants Fund.
Date
Monday 30 November & Tuesday 1 December
Venue
Tūranga, Te Kete Wānanga o Ōtākaro (Christchurch Central Library)
Time
Day 1: 9.00am - 3:30pm | Day 2: 9.00am - 3.40pm
Cost
$70.00 includes light lunches






Speakers
Checkout the lineup below


                                                                                       Register

Questions? Please contact events@engagementinstitute.org.au



Please kindly note this agenda is accurate as of October 2026.


Master of Ceremonies

Gemma Greenshields Headshot

Gemma Greenshields | G & T Connect

Gemma is Director and co-founder of G & T Connect, specialising in communications and community engagement. An award-winning practitioner, she brings extensive experience in local government engagement, coastal adaptation and complex multi-agency projects. She holds an IAP2 Advanced Certificate in Engagement and a Bachelor of Environmental Management. 

Speakers

Sarah Ropata | Aurecon

Sarah is a Principal at Aurecon, leading Engagement and Change Advisory in Aotearoa, and an Engagement Institute Board Director. Her 30-year career spans the arts, infrastructure and community engagement. She helps government, technical specialists and communities navigate change, understand complex issues and find common ground. 

Chris Mene | MeneSolutions

Chris is Director of MeneSolutions and a professional facilitator, engagement practitioner and trainer. His experience spans health, education, philanthropy, central and local government, including elected governance and executive roles. He is passionate about positive change and brings practical experience navigating intercultural engagement and differing world views. 

Nigel Bowen | Canterbury Mayoral Forum

Nigel is Mayor of Timaru District and Chair of the Canterbury Mayoral Forum. With a background in hospitality business ownership, he brings business and local government perspectives to regional leadership. His work includes infrastructure planning, water reform and collaboration between councils to improve services for communities.

Dr Deon Swiggs | Environment Canterbury

Deon is Chair of Environment Canterbury and Regional Sector Chair of Local Government New Zealand and Te Uru Kahika. A former naval officer and Christchurch City Councillor, he founded Rebuild Christchurch following the Canterbury earthquakes. His background includes business, governance, community recovery and sustainable land use.

Steve Gibling | Selwyn District Council

Steve is Chief Executive of Selwyn District Council, with more than 25 years’ leadership experience across local government, not-for-profit and tertiary sectors. His background combines community-focused services and organisational leadership, with an emphasis on supporting staff, strengthening partnerships and guiding organisations through change.

James Caygill | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

James is NZTA’s Director of Regional Relationships for the West Coast, Canterbury, Otago and Southland. He brings experience across central and local government, iwi, the arts and the private sector. His approach combines relationship-building, empathy and strategic problem-solving to help transport better serve communities.

Marikia Hill | Radio NZ

Marikia began her career as a reporter for the Manawatu Standard before moving to Auckland to write for Stuff and the Sunday Star Times. She covered stories from the Far North to South Auckland. In 2017, she became the editor of the Western Leader before stints as an Auckland and National News Director for Stuff. She joined the Local Democracy team at Radio NZ in 2023.

Jo Scott | Synlait

Jo (Te Ātiawa) is Executive Director of Great Scott, an award-winning communications strategist and former broadcast journalist. Her experience spans radio reporting, media training and crisis communications, alongside teaching at the New Zealand Broadcasting School and University of Canterbury. She brings extensive knowledge of New Zealand’s media landscape. Jo Scott is currently Head of Corporate Affairs and Engagement at Synlait.

Kerri Price | Professional Facilitator

Kerri is a professional facilitator with more than 25 years’ experience leading meetings, workshops and community conversations across public, private and community sectors. Her work spans board meetings, community workshops, team development and training. She now also supports other trainers and facilitators to strengthen participation and achieve better outcomes.