Invited by policy makers and advisors to the New Zealand government and cities across New Zealand, we presented at a number of round table events and one to one meetings with a range of infrastructure, governance and economic development professionals and representatives from across national and city government. Discussions focused on the economy, infrastructure as well as social and health matters and reflected on whether the Greater Manchester experience might be useful to developing any future City Deals in New Zealand.

Specifically, we gave examples of how health had become more integrated into economic and infrastructure decision making in Greater Manchester and how this was evident in the Streets for All strategy and the development of the Bee Network, approaches that TRUUD have been actively researching. We discussed the New Zealand approach to cost benefit analysis and how they approach the inclusion of heath measures, also of particular interest to TRUUD.

Minter Ellison Rudd Watts hosted a round table in their offices overlooking Auckland Harbour expertly facilitated by Sarah Sinclair. The Auckland Policy Office, NZ Government facilitated two round table meetings, one for representatives from across local and regional government and another for NZ government departments hosted by Michael Quinn. Both groups were particularly interested in what could be learned from the Greater Manchester experience of developing City Deals and the optimum conditions for positive change.

Simon Anderson at the Ministry of Awesome hosted another round table discussion with policymakers and university colleagues in Christchurch. The city’s approach to significant rebuilding in the earthquake recovery period offers considerable learning for the UK including comparing and contrasting their approach to active travel.