How it works
Our process is collaborative, rigorous, and transparent, ensuring high-quality analysis that's accessible to everyone. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:
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Posing the Question and Hypothesis: Each topic begins with a carefully crafted question about Auckland's infrastructure or governance. We provide an initial hypothesis—a proposed idea or scenario—to kickstart the discussion.
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Contributor Applications and Selection: We rely on knowledgeable contributors to enrich the conversation. Anyone with relevant expertise can apply to become a contributor via our simple online form. Applications are reviewed based on your background, experience, and demonstrated knowledge in related fields.
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Contributor Comments: Selected contributors provide in-depth comments on the hypothesis. These are evaluated and incorporated based on the contributor's level of expertise, ensuring the most insightful perspectives shape the final analysis. These are direct communication only and will not be shared publicly. You have a choice to lend your name to the final draft.
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A Review document is created based on feedback that will be circulated to contributors for comment.
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A refining of the document is undertaken after feedback has been received of the Review document.
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Working final document is completed - those who have contributed are able to put there name to the work.
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Analysis and Simplification: Our team synthesizes the contributors' input into a comprehensive analysis. Before publication, we simplify the content—using clear language, visuals, and summaries—to make it engaging and understandable for the general public.
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Publication and Ongoing Engagement: The final explainer is published on our site, free for all to read and share. We encourage public feedback to keep the dialogue alive.
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Volumes are produced using the information gather by contributors and we methodically create in formation for our advocates. The volumes are revisited and challenged each year for refinement.
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Advocacy is then sent to the relevant bodies to push for adoption and we have selected members to advocate on your behalf.
Contributor Recognition and Status
We value our contributors and recognize their expertise through a specialty tagging system:
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Specialty Tags: Contributors are tagged with their areas of expertise (e.g., Urban Planning, Environmental Policy, Transport Engineering, Legal).
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Master Contributor Status: If a contributor demonstrates proficiency in more than 5 specialties—verified through their application and contributions—they earn "Master Contributor" status. This badge highlights their broad knowledge and gives their input greater visibility in our analyses.
This system ensures that contributions are weighted appropriately, promoting credibility and depth in our discussions.
MISSON
SEEKING POWERFUL INDPENDENT THOUGHT ON QUESTIONS ON AUCKLAND FUTURE .
Auckland Futures is a dynamic online platform dedicated to exploring the future of Auckland through thoughtful questions on infrastructure, governance, and urban development. We believe in fostering informed discussions that bridge expert insights with public understanding. By posing critical questions—such as "How should Auckland expand its public transport network to meet 2050 demands?" or "What governance reforms could enhance local decision-making?"—we aim to spark meaningful conversations that influence real-world outcomes.
COMMITMENT
WHY APPLY TO JOIN?
Auckland is evolving rapidly, and decisions made today will shape our city for generations. Whether you're an expert eager to contribute, a resident curious about urban issues, or a policymaker seeking diverse perspectives, Auckland Futures is your hub for insightful, actionable discussions. Apply to contribute today, explore our latest explainers, or dive into Council Watch to stay ahead of the curve.
For more details or to get involved, visit our Apply to Contribute page or Contact Us. Let's build a better Auckland together!
WATCH
FOR THE RECORD
Tracking Auckland Council: Real-Time Accountability
In addition to our question-driven explainers, Auckland Futures provides a unique "Council Watch" feature. We offer play-by-play tracking of Auckland Council's activities, focusing on:
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Voting patterns on key issues like infrastructure projects, budget allocations, and governance reforms.
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Detailed breakdowns of council meetings, decisions, and their potential impacts on the city.
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Interactive timelines and data visualizations to help you stay informed and hold leaders accountable.
This tool empowers citizens to follow local government in real-time, fostering greater transparency and civic participation.