Transitions in Action documents a range of future-focused actions already transforming Aotearoa New Zealand’s capital including co-housing, car-sharing, not-for-profit electricity supply to address energy hardship and local vegetable growing for food security.
The guidebook is co-authored by a trans-disciplinary team including Associate Professor Amanda Yates from the School of Future Environments at Auckland University of Technology, Professor Kelly Dombroski from Massey University’s School of People, Environment and Planning, Thomas Nash, Greater Wellington Regional Councillor and Massey University Social Entrepreneur in Residence, and Gradon Diprose from Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research.
Transitions in Action is an aspirational and practical guide to the future. The book presents a vision for a thriving Wellington region achieved through community-driven, place-based innovation.
Drawing on the stories of over 30 initiatives across the wider Wellington region, the guidebook maps how communities, iwi, local businesses and organisations are already reshaping the fabric of urban life in response to climate change, inequality and housing pressures and a desire to live life better. These examples represent a pattern of what the authors call ‘living transitions’ – shifts that are emergent, iterative and relational, rather than linear or top-down.
The guide is part of a government funded programme of regenerative urban research designed to support real-world impact and system transition. The book is structured around five ‘transition areas’ of ecology, energy, economy, community and housing. These crucial leverage points for regional and urban change are visualised in a “compass” along with the actions required to enable that regenerative change. Associate Professor Yates says, “Mauri ora is the vitality of the living world. At this time of ecological crisis and opportunity our cities need to be designed for the vitality of people and the living world that sustains us.”
ORA LAB