Session Description
Here in Aotearoa New Zealand our resource management legislation, the Resource Management Act 1991, is proposed to be replaced by two new Acts – a Planning Act and Natural Environment Act. Nuts and bolts of this legislation aside, the broader reform package also includes digital transformation of the planning system and a strong focus on the need to shift planning practice, particularly in the consenting part of the system where impact assessment remains a key component under the proposed legislation.
This means that at the same time that we are seeking digital transformation, there is also a clear need for improvements in how practitioners operating within the system interact with each other at a more human level.
In this context, this Panel session will explore the importance of being human in a world that is becoming increasingly digital. This session will focus on the role of frontline planners and other experts involved in consenting processes in a NZ context but will be applicable to other contexts.
We will explore:
- The importance of critical thinking skills in a digital enabled system that requires timely and proportionate consent decision-making processes.
- The core behavioural skills that planners and other practitioners need to be effective in their roles and to support a cultural shift in planning practice in NZ.
- What it means to foster and support the development of these skills in all practitioners.
- Ideas for how these important skill sets can become more intentionally practiced as individuals, and organisations who are involved in impact assessment.
Session Summary
This Panel session will explore the importance of being human in a world that is becoming increasingly digital. This session will focus on the role of frontline planners and other experts involved in consenting processes in a NZ context but will be applicable to other contexts.
Additional Information
I considered whether a workshop session may be a good format for this but landed on a Panel discussion as the better option.
Session Chair
Amanda de Jong
Brighta Consulting
New Zealand