Auckland is a melting pot of diversity – it’s what makes us a special city. From culture, to race, to religion, to gender, to sexual orientation, to ability and background – everyone is unique, and building a city in which we can all thrive is no easy task..

So, let’s take stock. How are we doing? How inclusive is our inclusive city? The city centre is meant to be the heart of Auckland for all of Auckland. A place of public life, celebration, a place shared, and belonging to all of Auckland. However that only works if there is a widespread feeling and belief that the city centre belongs to us all.

In February, StreetTalks is inviting a cross section of people who have lived experience that suggests there are definitely things we could be doing better. How might we make our public transport safer? How might we reflect our multi-culturalism in every new design and build? Over a million people call this city of ours home, but just how many feel safe or even welcome in the central city? We invite you to listen, learn, share, and discuss.

These talks are used not only to educate but as a forum to voice opinions on the changes that are happening and yet to happen in Auckland. The best way to build a better Auckland is to hear from the people that live there. StreetTalks is a bi-monthly series brought to you by the Auckland Design Office (ADO), Stantec, and Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero that seeks to provide that voice.