Future of Auckland City Centre

We want to create an open space where leading voices across different sectors can share bold ideas, challenge the status quo and inspire new ways of thinking about how Auckland’s CBD could evolve by 2050. From urban designers and engineers to local iwi, architects, policymakers, and city-shapers, this event aims to spark meaningful conversations around what a sustainable, inclusive and thriving city centre could look like in the decades ahead.

We’ll explore how global best practices can be adapted locally, how Māori worldviews can shape future planning, and how innovative thinking can help us build a resilient and people-first city centre for generations to come. It’s a chance to connect, collaborate, and co-imagine a better future for Tāmaki Makaurau.

Join us in person at Arup (15 Galway Street, Auckland Central) or you can attend the online session!

PANELISTS

Jenny Larking – Head of Growth and Regeneration Delivery, Auckland Council

Malcolm Smith – Australasian Cities Leader, Arup

Simon Bridges – CEO, Auckland Business Chamber

Tom Irvine – CEO Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei - Whai Ma

ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Jenny Larkin an architect and leader with over twenty years working across architecture, infrastructure, facilities management and urban regeneration. She has worked in public, tertiary, and commercial sectors, focusing on building partnerships, aligning investment and delivering complex projects that benefit communities. Jenny leads the Growth and Regeneration Delivery team in the Auckland Urban Development Office, responsible for the coordinated delivery of urban regeneration programmes. Her team plays a central role in maintaining delivery momentum across complex, multi-disciplinary programmes. Previously in Auckland Council, Jenny led the transformation of the Auckland City centre, delivering iconic public spaces, supporting the community and bringing the city to life through activation and placemaking. Jenny is passionate about city building – crafting vibrant, inclusive and resilient urban environments that reflect the aspirations of the people who inhabit them.

Malcolm Smith is the Arup Fellow in master planning and urban design based in the Melbourne office. He has previously served as the Australasia Cities Leader and spent 25 years in Arup’s London office, where he founded the Integrated Urbanism Unit in 2002. Malcolm brings extensive experience in leading complex master planning projects, with a strong focus on delivering sustainable urban outcomes. As an Arup Fellow, Malcolm guides the design strategy for Arup’s master planning projects across the world. Besides the physical issues of places, his work encompasses issues such as integrated systems, resource efficiency, cultural strategy, meaningful infrastructures, risk and resilience and social value.

Simon Bridges is a prominent voice in New Zealand’s business and political landscape, currently serving as CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber. With over a decade in Parliament – including as Leader of the National Party and Minister for Economic Development – Simon brings deep insight into the intersection of policy, infrastructure and urban growth. As a former Crown prosecutor and Oxford-educated lawyer, Simon’s leadership is grounded in strategic thinking and public service. His experience spans transport, energy, and communications – key pillars in shaping the future of Auckland’s CBD. Simon is also a published author and host of the podcast Generally Famous, where he explores the stories of influential New Zealanders. At this event, he will share his perspectives on how Auckland’s central city can evolve to meet the demands of a modern, resilient and globally connected urban economy.

Tom Irvine (Ngāti Whātua) is Tumu Whakarae (CEO) of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Whai Maia and Acting Director of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. He brings extensive leadership experience across iwi development, stakeholder engagement and commercial operations. Tom is deeply connected our wonderful city through people, place and purpose (Te Tangata, He Takiwa, He Take). He is committed to kaupapa Māori, civic engagement and a holistic approach to uplifting whānau through social, cultural and environmental initiatives. Tom is a proud Pāpā and Koro with a deep love for Tāmaki Makaurau.