Fast Forward 18: Diane Menzies

University of Auckland’s School of Architecture and Planning’s twice-annual talk series, Fast Forward, aims to foster debate, discussion and development within the disciplines of architecture, urban design and urban planning.

This series we focus on the question: how can we do urban space well? As Auckland’s population continues to grow and the city intensifies, a key challenge will be to provide high quality urban spaces.

The fourth lecture in the series is titled ‘Decolonisation for Better Cities’ by Dr Diane Menzies, who is a past president and honorary member of the International Federation of Landscape Architects and a life member of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects.

Previously an elected local government representative, Diane is also a member of Ngā Aho, the national network of Māori design professionals.

With the New Zealand Environment Court for eleven years, she returned to academia and consulting in 2012 with a focus centred upon research. Her ancestral links are to Ngāti Kahungunu.

Housing unaffordability affects those on the lowest incomes, as do the social and cultural impacts of neoliberal economic policies. Justice, accessibility and sustainability are indicators of decolonisation. Decolonised cities are those that reflect the values and identities of all residents.

This Fast Forward conversation considers characteristics of a decolonised Auckland in response to a student design charrette investigating decolonisation in Ōwairaka. The lessons learnt are discussed to challenge professional practice into effecting a better city, through both design and social procurement.

All lectures start at 6.30pm, are free and open to the public. Attendance at each lecture earns 10 NZIA CPD points.