About
Let’s be honest: local government has had a bit going on lately. Reform, reviews, funding pressures, rates, three-year plans, spatial plans, long-term plans… and the occasional suggestion that perhaps councils should simply stop existing.
So, naturally, we’re getting everyone together in Tauranga to talk about it. Talk It Up 2027 is where the people who ACTUALLY know local government come together to share ideas, swap stories, learn from each other and ask the really important questions like “who approved this?” and “is this going to be in the LTP?”
Because if local government is ending as we've known it for the past 38 years, we might as well face it together! Preferably somewhere with decent coffee, plenty of laughs and a room full of people who understand why “just put it on social media” is not, in fact, a communications strategy.
Come for the speakers, the ideas and the networking. Stay because you’ve realised everyone else is just as confused as you are. Whatever happens next, be it reform, amalgamation, de-amalgamation, another review, another consultation, or the complete collapse of civilisation as we know it, let’s Talk it Up before they restructure us again!
When
Lock in Thursday 6 May - Friday 7 May 2027
Where
Mercury Baypark - Areana Suites, Mt Maunganui/Tauranga
Cost
TBC
Registrations
OPENING SOON
Talk It Up is not another conference.
This is an Unconference.
Think peer-to-peer learning at its best, in an exciting, dynamic and inspiring environment.
Who is Talk It Up for?
Anyone who wants to improve how government or your business engages with communities.
If you work in:
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Communications
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Community Engagement
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Policy
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Community Strategy
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Project Management
TIU’s for you!
How do we do it?
Unlike other conferences, there is no set programme at Talk It Up.
It will be two days of high energy learning, including time spent in dedicated workshops (topics and facilitators to be announced).
The agenda is set by the attendees on the day – instead of having speakers on pre-organised topics, the attendees pitch session topics that they want to discuss.
Everyone then chooses the sessions they want to attend and are actively involved in the topics and discussion.
It’s not about fancy slides - there are none - it’s about genuine connections and knowledge exchange.
Right now we have no idea what will be covered at our next event – except that we know it will be dynamic and inspiring.
People who attended TIU have described it as the best "un"conferences they’ve ever been to - an invaluable experience.
Tickets will be limited and will be available soon. Keep an eye out so you can register your spot.
Meanwhile, join Talk it Up on Facebook or Linkedin as momentum builds for the big day.
Day One Agenda TBD
Don't stress! We're planning an awesome opening day for Talk It Up 2027, but we're not quite ready to share details just yet... Trust us, we've never let you down before!
Day Two
Timings
8.30am: Registration opens
9am-4pm: Talk It Up unconference
We recommend arriving with enough time to:
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collect your lanyard
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grab a coffee
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locate the room you’re meant to be in!
Everyone is encouraged to bring along a few ideas they may want to lead a discussion on. What’s hot for you right now?
Not keen on public speaking? No sweat, there will likely be others with similar ideas and you could get together or let them take the lead. No pressure, and no fancy powerpoints needed!
Here are just a few ideas to get your brain buzzing:
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What can we do about outrage and opposition?
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What does effective engagement look like when money is tight?
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Words or pictures? Visual storytelling to engage communities and convey complex information
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Equity and inclusion in engagement strategies: How do we amplify voices that are often marginalised?
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Beyond counting likes and shares on Facebook, how do we truly measure the impact of our engagement initiatives?
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Emerging technology (AI, virtual reality, data metrics). Opportunities and challenges.
Venue
This is your Contact section. Tell website visitors how they can contact you and encourage them to reach out with any questions and comments.
The jewel in the crown of the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga (and Mt Maugnanui) is a fantatsic location for Talk It Up 2027, and Mercury Bay Park is a stunning addition to our list of venues that we've had over the years!
With outstanding facilities and technology at our disposal, and the stunning backdrop of the Papamoa Hills and Mount Maunganui in the background, this might be our best on yet (but don't tell the other venues that, we don't want to hurt feelings).
How to get there
There are direct flights to Tauranga from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. If you're in the upper or central North Island, you're more than likely only three or four hours drive away!
Once here, there's Uber, taxi, Lime scooter, bus or your feet - there’s plenty of options to get yourself to the Mercury Baypark
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There is plenty of space at the venue if you are flying in on Tuesday morning and need to store your luggage before making your way to your accommodation later.
Parking
Mercury Baypark offers ample free on-site parking. If you or your guests require overnight parking, approval from the team is required. Please note that overnight camping is strictly prohibited.
Accomodation
Nearby
Boatshed Motel Apartments
Bay Plam Motel
Beach House Motel
Blue Wave Motel
Gateway Motor Inn
Sponsors in 2026
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Meet the team
We are a small group of passionate local government communications professionals who organised the uber-successful inaugural Talk It Up unconference in 2022 and then went back for more in 2023. In 2027 we will be celebrating our fifth Talk It Up!
Local government is changing and and we're organising this unconference for our collective sanity... also, networking!
Jenni Cochrane
Matamata Piako District Council Group Manager Customer Experience
Sonia Gerken
Self Employed
Comms Ninja
Gemma Gibson
Stratford District Council
Communications Manager
Teresa Hancock
Environment Canterbury Principal Communications & Engagement Advisor
Ben Caldwell
Rangitīkei District Council Communications Advisor
Rochelle Carrig
Hutt City Council
Head of Customer, Communications & Engagement