In this conversation, the panel will discuss the biggest successes, failures, missed opportunities, and messages to other cities going through a process of rebuilding after a natural disaster.

Mike Fisher is an urban planning and placemaking specialist. He has worked in a range of senior leadership roles for several years in local government, consultancy and the private sector including most recently as General Manager of the Riverside Market. He now operates his own consultancy, UrbanTacticians, whose areas of expertise lie in strategic planning, placemaking, urban regeneration, community development, housing and mixed-use projects.

Rita Dionisio is a Senior Lecturer at Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth & Environment at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | the University of Canterbury. An architect by training, her research focuses on in bicultural planning, urban resilience, community engagement and sustainable urban regeneration.

Simon Kingham is a Professor at Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth & Environment at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | the University of Canterbury. A geographer, Simons’ area of expertise are health and urban environment and sustainable transport. He is seconded two days a week to the Ministry of Transport as their Chief Science Advisor, where he advises the Ministry on the evidence base of government policy.

Image: Carden City, by Seek. Photograph by Mike Fisher.