Hapori Aotearoa 2027
Following the hugely successful Hapori Aotearoa conference in Tauranga in 2025, we’re bringing the kaupapa to Ōtautahi Christchurch for Hapori Aotearoa 2027. This two-day conference, held in partnership with the Social Equity & Wellbeing Network (SEWN) and Christchurch City Council, brings together people from across Aotearoa who are working in and alongside communities to create meaningful, lasting change.
Join us at Hapori Aotearoa 2027
Hapori Aotearoa is a national gathering for people passionate about community-led development. It’s an opportunity to share our work, celebrate our successes, and put community at the heart of everything we do.
Whether you’re working at a grassroots level, within local or central government, in the community and voluntary sector, philanthropy, research, social services or somewhere in between, Hapori Aotearoa is a chance to connect, share and learn alongside others working to strengthen communities. And you don’t need to work for a community organisation to take part. If this kaupapa speaks to you, you’re welcome.
10–11 March 2027
All Saints, Burwood
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Hosted by Inspiring Communities, the Social Equity & Wellbeing Network (SEWN), Christchurch City Council
Registrations are now open
Tickets
- Early bird – Community and non-profit organisations $325 + GST and booking fees
- Early bird – Local and central government, funders and business $645 +GST and booking fees
Early birds tickets are limited and will be available until allocation is exhausted or 1 December 2026, whichever comes first.
- General admission – Community and non-profit organisations $425 +GST and booking fees
- General admission – Local and central government, funders and business $745 +GST and booking fees
What’s included
Tea, coffee, snacks and lunch will be provided on both conference days. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know about any dietary requirements when purchasing your ticket.
At the end of day one, join us for a networking opportunity to connect with others, share reflections from the day and continue the conversations sparked throughout the conference.
Meet our keynote speakers
DR ERUERA TARENA
Dr Eruera Tarena (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi Tūāhuriri) is Kaihautū/Executive Director of Tokona te Raki – Māori Futures Makers, an indigenous social innovation lab working to shape the conditions for lasting systems change. His work draws on indigenous future-making to build the collective capability of communities, organisations and government to imagine and shape thriving futures together. He brings a strength not in predicting the future, but in building our collective capability to shape it together.
DR NICOLA ATWOOL
Dr Nicola Atwool is a respected researcher, educator and practitioner committed to improving outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi. Formerly an Associate Professor in Social and Community Work at the University of Otago, her career spans academia and practice, including roles with Oranga Tamariki and the Office of the Children’s Commissioner. Nicola brings deep experience and insight, with a strong focus on connection, care and belonging.
ANNA POWELL
Anna Powell is CEO of Collaboration for Impact (CFI), where she leads work focused on strengthening belonging across difference, social cohesion and a democracy that works for all. With more than 20 years’ experience in community-led change, systems change and international development, Anna works across community, government and civil society to help build connected, resilient communities and strengthen the foundations of a healthy democracy.
JO RANDERSON ONZM
Jo Randerson ONZM (they/them, tangata Tiriti) is an Arts Foundation New Generation Laureate, writer, theatre-maker and creative community-builder based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington. They are the founder and Artistic Director of Barbarian Productions and part of the team behind Vogelmorn, where a disused bowling club has been transformed into a thriving creative community space. Jo brings together creativity, community and fresh thinking to create connection and change.
People, Place and Practice
Hapori Aotearoa 2027 brings people working in and alongside communities together for two days of kōrero, connection and practical learning in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
This year we’ll explore People, Place and Practice through a participatory programme shaped by what we’ve been hearing from community leaders and practitioners across Aotearoa.
The programme is organised around three interconnected streams:
Local wisdom
A space for the knowledge, experience and practical wisdom held within communities.
Hear from local leaders and grassroots changemakers about what has worked, what hasn’t, and what they’ve learned along the way, including practical approaches, tools and ideas you can take back to your own community.
Creative community
Creativity helps communities connect, imagine and act.
Through storytelling, arts, performance and creative practice, this stream explores how creativity can strengthen relationships, invite participation and help communities turn ideas into action.
Transformational change
How can what we learn locally help create change at a wider level?
This stream explores systems change informed by local experience, including how we can decolonise existing structures, foster collective wellbeing, address systemic trauma and create pathways towards a future grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Hapori Aotearoa for?
Hapori Aotearoa is for anyone involved in strengthening communities across Aotearoa. You don’t need to work for a community organisation to attend. If you’re interested in community-led development, connection and creating positive change, you’re welcome.
When will the full programme be announced?
We’re currently working with our speakers and contributors to shape the programme. We’ll be sharing speakers and programme highlights over the coming months, with the full Hapori Aotearoa 2027 programme released in November.
Can I choose which breakout sessions I attend?
Yes. There will be a range of breakout sessions throughout the conference, allowing you to choose the conversations, workshops and topics most relevant to you.
Is the venue accessible?
All Saints is wheelchair accessible, and guide and service dogs are welcome.
If you have specific accessibility requirements, please let us know when you register so we can work with you to support your participation or you can get in touch with our team at kiaora@inspiringcommunities.org.nz
Will food be provided?
Yes. Catering will be provided during the conference. You can let us know about any dietary requirements as part of the registration process.
Is there a networking event?
Yes. We’ll be hosting an informal networking function after the first day of the conference, giving you a chance to continue conversations and connect with people from across the motu.
What is the cancellation and transfer policy?
A full refund is available for cancellations received up to 10 December 2026.
From 10 December 2026 until 10 February 2027, registrations can be transferred to another person within your team or organisation. A $50 + GST transfer fee per person applies.
After 10 February 2027, registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
What about travel, parking and accommodation?
We’ll provide registered attendees with further information about getting to the venue, parking, public transport and accommodation as we get closer to the conference.
Can my organisation send more than one person?
Absolutely. We encourage organisations and community groups to bring their people along and use the conference as an opportunity to learn and connect together.
Who can I contact if I have a question?
If you can’t find what you need here, contact the Hapori Aotearoa team at kiaora@inspiringcommunities.org.nz.
Keep up to date
Sign up to the Inspiring Communities pānui to keep up with the latest Hapori Aotearoa news, including:
- programme announcements
- new speakers and keynote updates
- conference news and updates
- opportunities to partner or sponsor the conference
We look forward to welcoming you to Ōtautahi Christchurch in March 2027.
For sponsorship or exhibitor enquiries, contact us at: kiaora@inspiringcommunities.org.nz
Working together
Hapori Aotearoa 2027 is proudly presented by Inspiring Communities in partnership with the Social Equity & Wellbeing Network (SEWN), Christchurch City Council, and collaborators from across Aotearoa.
