Te Pūaha Talks - Future Search

Future Search is a principles-based planning meeting model that brings the ‘whole system’ into the room

It is a globally renowned process that brings together people who share an interest in a particular issue or challenge to collaborate to find solutions. The process is formed around four principles:

• Get the “whole system” in the room. Invite a significant cross-section of all parties with a stake in the outcome – those with authority, resources, expertise, information and need.
• Explore the “whole elephant” before seeking to fix any part. Get everyone talking about the same world. Think globally, act locally.
• Put common ground and future focus front and centre while treating problems and conflicts as information, not action items.
• Encourage self-management and responsibility for action by participants before, during and after the Future Search.

When utilised in Aotearoa/New Zealand, a fifth principle of Treaty Partnership guides the Future Search process:

• From co-leadership throughout the project planning to co-facilitation at the wānanga, running a Future Search in Aotearoa embraces Treaty partnership.

CSI associate, Miranda Cassidy-O’Connell is a member of the global Future Search Network and has facilitated several Future Search events in Aotearoa since 2013, including Nelson, Waiheke Island, an online workshop for Government and most recently at the end of September in 2023, co-facilitating a wānanga in Kaitaia for the restoration of the mauri of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe (Ninety Mile Beach).

Miranda drew on her experience planning and facilitating these events and was joined by co-facilitator Lisa McNab for the Te Pūaha Talk, Future Search - helping people transform their capability for action.

This online webinar provided insights into how the Future Search process can bring people with diverse interests together to work through complex issues and find opportunities for shared action. A recording of the webinar and Q&A from the webinar are available below.

In addition, associated resources from Future Search events held in Aotearoa are made available here.