A new guidebook developed by Massey University researchers offers a fresh vision for Wellington’s urban and regional future, spotlighting community-led innovations tackling climate resilience, housing, and inequality.
Transitions in Action: An Urban and Regional Guide for Te Upoko o te Ika Wellington showcases over 30 real-world initiatives already reshaping life across the region. From co-housing and suburban gardening to car-sharing and community-run energy providers, the guide highlights transformative work happening at the grassroots.
Co-authored by Professor Kelly Dombroski and Social Entrepreneur in Residence Thomas Nash of Massey University, alongside Amanda Yates from AUT and Gradon Diprose from Manaaki Whenua, the guide is grounded in the concept of mauri—the life force connecting people, land and ecosystems.
“These transitions aren’t top-down. They’re already happening, in deeply relational and locally rooted ways,” said Dombroski. “By focusing on care and community, we’re seeing alternative futures being built right now.”
Structured around six key areas—transport, community, economy, energy, environment and housing—the guide explores how initiatives like Mevo’s car-share service, Common Unity Project’s food and education hub in Lower Hutt, and Toast Electric’s community power model are forging pathways to a more just and sustainable Wellington.
Nash emphasised the broader implications: “These aren’t one-off experiments. They’re seeds of systemic change. They show how equity and environmental care can be central to how we live and work together.”
The guide is free to download and is intended for a broad audience including policymakers, iwi, educators, and community organisers. Supported by the Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge, the authors hope the resource will inspire similar efforts across Aotearoa.
“The future is something we build together, with the knowledge and relationships we already hold,” Nash said.
📘 Download the guide below: Transitions in Action: An Urban and Regional Guide for Te Upoko o te Ika Wellington (PDF):