Few professions have their own global day of celebration.
Every year on November 8th, planners around the world come together to celebrate the important work they do. World Town Planning Day is our chance to reflect on the special role of planning in creating connected and liveable communities. The celebration was founded in 1949 by the late Argentinian professor Carlos Maria della Paolera, who hoped to advance public and professional interest in planning. This same year NZPI, our own professional institute of planners was established.
As we farewell a challenging two years with the pandemic where celebrations have been restricted, this year’s WTP day is being celebrated in different ways across the globe. In Canada CIP are hosting the Planning Together: Student Symposium, a free virtual event for students. In the UK the RTPI are running an online series about Planning for Reliant Cities and will consider how planning is key to enabling cities and communities to respond to the shocks and stresses of our time. Here in Aotearoa we recognise WTPD in different ways.
At a national level we celebrate excellence by announcing the winners of Te Kōkiringa Taumata/ NZPI’s Distinguished Service Award. This award is given in recognition of a depth of service, research or practice that truly shapes the planning profession and carries us forward into the future. This year we’ve received a high calibre of nominations that have come from members across Aotearoa, and no two are alike. These members have dedicated their careers to our profession and have all, in part, shaped the evolution of planning in New Zealand. The recipients of this award will be announced on World Town Planning Day, November 8th, 2022.
Across the motu our local branches are hosting events to commemorate WTP day. We encourage you to come together with your peers and celebrate how good planning improves the lives of people and benefits society at large. Our work has an impact on everyone so take the time to pause and reflect on the great work you do. Details about our local events are being added to our website as we draw closer to World Town Planning Day. Check them out on our events page:
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