Sustain/Create

Overview

This first Create/Sustain forum brings together four leading thinkers in the fields of design, environmental planning, investment in sustainable technology and social and cultural development.

The discussions generated by this multifaceted panel will lay the ground work for the future conversations on the role design has to play in the field of sustainability. It recognises that prior to seeking design solutions for sustainable development we must first identify the parameters of sustainable development and the issues that it provokes. By bringing together these diverse fields we hope to expand our conception of sustainability and identify what values are integral to building our future.

The People:
Rachel Brown (Chair) is the Founder and Chief Executive of the Sustainable Business Network (SBN) a national network of over 400 members. Rachel is a pioneer in sustainability with over 15 years experience working with business in sustainable management.

Dr. Idil Gaziulusoy was born and raised in Turkey and moved to New Zealand to undertake a PhD at the University of Auckland researching system innovation for sustainability. Currently she is working as a lecturer in Product Design in the School of Art + Design, AUT University.

Dr Stephen Knight-Lenihan, is environmental consultant, and lecturer at the School of Architecture and Planning, University of Auckland. His research focuses on integrating ecological sustainability concepts into decision-making on infrastructure, transport and planning.

Chris Mulcare, is a clean technology specialist for Investment NZ. He specialises in bringing together offshore investors and strategic partners with New Zealand companies that are developing clean technologies.

Sir Tamati Reedy (Ngati Porou), is a professional educationalist and academic with a specialty in linguistics and M?ori and Pacific Development. He was awarded the title Emeritus Professor by the University of Waikato in December 2009 and appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal in 2010.

Image credit: Brydee Rood The Waste Whisperer, 2011, German blue rubbish bags, LED hose lights and plastic tubing