Ngā Puāwai o Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Future Search
What to expect at this wānanga
The Future Search method is a process that brings together diverse voices to create a shared vision of the protection and restoration of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe. There are no lectures and no guest speakers, instead Future Search is a hands-on planning process involving a series of structured dialogues in small and large groups. Participants actively input into every phase of the wānanga.
The Future Search method is an action-planning meeting format that is used worldwide to help diverse voices discover what they hold in common. For Ngā Puāwai o Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe it is an opportunity for dialogue about the state of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe and together to imagine a desired future that we can start working towards right away for protection and restoration of its mauri.
For this wānanga to be a success, it is important for participants to be present for all parts of the 3 days. Like a planting cycle where you sow and later reap, the Future Search sessions are designed to build off each other – leading to the action planning on Day 3.
We appreciate your willingness to bring your wisdom and experience to the wānanga and your time commitment from 9.00am on Thursday 28 September to 3.00pm on Saturday 30 September 2023. We are making every effort to ensure that your investment of time is well spent.
Explore the Future Search methodology and network.
The People
Future Search is based on the premise that the larger and more diverse a group can be, the greater the opportunity for change to be accepted and implemented. The first task of the Future Search planning group was to identify the diverse categories or perspectives who have a stake in the health of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe.
9 categories were identified as comprising the Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe ‘system’:
These categories are overlapping with individuals likely to have experience and knowledge from several of the categories. It is the combination of the multiple perspectives and participants’ willingness to collaborate with others that will result in improved marine environment outcomes.
Why you?
You have been selected because of the knowledge and information you hold, your personal authority to act, and your stake in the outcome that you have for Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe. You are not there to represent a single interest but to bring your well-rounded views as an individual based upon your experience and knowledge.
Your commitment will be as follows:
Thursday 28th September
9.30am - Te wā timatanga
5.30pm - Te wā mutunga | Whanangatanga and nibbles
Friday 29th September
8.00am - Te wā timatanga
6.00pm - Te wā mutunga | Ngā Puāwai Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe kai o te pō
Saturday 30th September
8.00am - Te wā timatanga
3.00pm - Te wā mutunga
For the Future Search wānanga to be a success, it is important for participants to be present for all parts of the 3 days. Like a planting cycle where you sow and later reap, the Future Search sessions are designed to build off each other – culminating in the action planning on Day 3.
The Principles
Treaty partnership.
From co-leadership throughout the project planning to co-facilitation at the Future Search wānanga, Ngā Puāwai o Te Onerohe-a-Tōhe is embracing Te Tiriti principles.
Whole system in the room.
By getting a large and diverse group of involved people together, the decisions they make will reflect the thinking of the group as a whole. It also creates broad buy-in, as many people are involved.
Global focus as context for local action.
By looking at the big picture, we keep things in context. This also helps us make decisions that will be effective and lasting.
Common ground and future focus, not problems and conflicts.
Often we spend 80% of our time focusing on the 20% of things we disagree about. In Future Search, we believe that the best way to move forward is to work together on the things we agree about.
Self-managed small groups.
In this way people learn to work together and take responsibility for what they have done. This also develops team skills.
Full attendance (all sessions).
If you’re not there, you're not there. It is important that all voices be present and all voices be heard.
Healthy meeting conditions.
If we are working in a healthy environment, it will help us work at maximum potential.
3-day event (sleep twice).
We often change our thinking or develop new ideas when we have a chance to think about experiences we have had over night.
Public responsibility for follow-up.
This gives us a chance to take a stand in the community for something we care about and intend to follow through on.
