Since around 2011, there have been conversations brewing about the need for a national network – to help us stay connected and supported in this work of placemaking. There have been hui, talks, and collaborations between people doing placemaking mahi in different parts of Aotearoa. And there’s been organic connection happening in pockets too, which led to Placemaking Week in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Across the board there was a consistent desire for connection, advice and advocacy.

With the creation of PlacemakingX, and increasingly strange and changeable times, this work gathered momentum, and a small group of people who have been active in championing and driving placemaking in Aotearoa zoomed every fortnight during 2020. That led us to this “place”: A platform for all to give and take in ways that uplift placemaking across the country.

We’re a collective who volunteer their time to develop and share better placemaking tools and support placemakers across Aotearoa and the leaders you work with to:

• Share knowledge and resources to elevate our own advocacy for community-led public space development.

• Share candid failures/lessons so that others don’t have to learn the hard way.

• Back each other up when advocating for kaupapa-led system change.

We want to continue to grow together to improve practice, share resources, and create a social capital that is celebrated often, generously, and for the good of all. We are here to mobilise purposeful placemaking action in a way that it is easy to share.  We hope you can fill your kete and feed into others whether they hail from as far as Rakiura, or are simply your street party planning mate from across the street.

From us the founding members: Lucy, Keegan, Boopsie, Ryan, Denise, Frith, Ben, and Mike and Cyndi: Nau mai, haere mai to a place and movement in which everyone is welcome.

Placemaking Aotearoa was brought together by nine people from across the motu, each with their own experience, ideas and passion for making places better. From community development and urban design to creative projects and local action, they helped build a network where placemakers can connect, share knowledge and learn from each other.

• Lucy Tukua – Founder of NativebyNature, bringing Māori perspectives, cultural storytelling and a deep commitment to connecting people with their whenua and identity.

• Keegan Aplin-Thane – A placemaking practitioner from Papaioea Palmerston North, working with communities to bring more creativity, connection and life into public spaces.

• Boopsie Maran – Founder of Places for Good, passionate about making streets and public spaces more welcoming, walkable, playful and people-friendly.

• Ryan Reynolds – Co-founder of Gap Filler in Ōtautahi Christchurch, known for creative, experimental projects that help communities reimagine and reclaim urban spaces.

• Denise Bijoux – Founder of Catalyse, with decades of experience supporting community-led change, neighbourhood connections and local initiatives.

• Frith Walker – A long-time placemaking advocate whose work with Eke Panuku has helped bring community life, creativity and a people-first approach to Auckland's waterfront and public spaces.

• Ben van Bruggen – An urban designer bringing international experience in city-making, regenerative design and creating better places for people.

• Mike Fisher – An urban planner and director of Urban Tacticians, working across placemaking, city regeneration and creative approaches to urban development.

• Cyndi Christensen – A placemaking practitioner known for transforming vacant spaces into opportunities for local businesses, community activities and more vibrant town centres.