5 July 2011

The future is the centre of attention at this year’s Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) annual conference at the Wellington Convention Centre 11 – 12 July.

The conference has a particular application to the role of Māori in the future and in the local government sector.

As well as keynote speaker Ngahihi o te ra Bidois, who will present on the application of Māori wisdom for modern leaders, the future role of the Māori economy will be explored in a workshop on realising Māori potential.

Other speakers include entrepreneur and green advocate Melissa Clark-Reynolds talking about green growth and Philips Lighting’s Harry Verhaar, from the Netherlands, discussing the challenges of increasing urbanisation and how energy efficient lighting technologies are transforming cities around the world.

Conference 2011 will also address spatial planning and what cities need to consider for growth, digital strategies and the ultra fast broadband project.

Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key is opening the conference while Local Government Minister Rodney Hide will also speak.

LGNZ President Lawrence Yule says local government plays a vital role in planning for the future for communities throughout New Zealand.

“Whether it’s about technology or transport or trees, councils have to look ahead and prepare themselves and their residents for the challenges and opportunities ahead,” said Mr Yule.

For the conference programme visit www.lgnz.co.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media