Reshaping Our Democracy: Unconference Sparks Fresh Thinking
7 September, 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
Seventy people from Northland to Dunedin came together in Wellington on Saturday 5 September to discuss how democracy in Aotearoa New Zealand could be reshaped.
Organised by re:Shape, a civil society organisation whose mission is to engage New Zealanders to reimagine how our nation makes decisions, the sold-out unconference explored ideas ranging from making children central to democracy through to economic democracy.
Ngāti Toa Rangatira CEO Helmut Modlik was part of the rōpū that initiated re:Shape and hailed the conference as a success.
“We came together to explore how our democracy can be shaped so it is more equitable, adaptive and fit for the challenges of the 21st century,” he said.
Sixteen sessions were held throughout the day-long unconference which was held at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.
The topics for the sessions were suggested by those who attended and included Te Tiriti-based deliberation, decision making to protect the next generation, information and misinformation, money in politics and climate change.
Helmut said the number and range of attendees contributed to interesting and inspiring conversations about how to make real change.
“We had rangatahi, kaumātua and representation from around the motu,” he said.
Helmut says the re:Shape team will now take time to reflect on the ideas, priorities and possible actions that emerged from the sessions, with a view to supporting the conversations and connections sparked at the unconference in the months ahead.
“We know that change will require many conversations, happening across the motu, hosted by communities, organisations and networks in their own contexts,” he said. “Our unconference is part of that wider, long term kaupapa. “
By 2040, re:Shape hopes these conversations will lead to piloting new democratic institutions and processes that better deliver equity, wellbeing, long term thinking, and the ability to adapt as knowledge and needs change. If you are interested in finding out more about re:Shape or attending future events, head over to the website here.
Media contacts:
Helmut Modlik - helmut.modlik@ngatitoa.iwi.nz
Gareth Hughes - gareth@weall.org.nz