World Green Infrastructure Congress

WGIC2024 is the leading global event promoting an exchange of knowledge and inspiration between professionals, companies, associations, institutions, public authorities and scientists to discuss nature-based solutions. The University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, in collaboration with Design for Nature and the World Green Infrastructure Network will be hosting the 11th World Green Infrastructure Congress in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. The conference will enable an environment for strategic discussions amongst sponsors and delegates alike. This year we’re expecting 600 delegates who are at the forefront of green infrastructure strategy, policy, research, design and technology.

The World Green Infrastructure Congress aligns and helps achieve the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

World Green Infrastructure Network

The World Green Infrastructure Network advocates for the integration of green infrastructure in urban planning, globally. Since 2009 WGIN has expanded to represent 22 National Associations and has held 10 World Green Infrastructure Congresses. WGIN has established supportive working research committees and has an active enthusiastic board of directors representing 11 nations.

As a registered Not-For-Profit association WGIN’s primary driver is passion and a strong united belief that our world must develop in respect and synergy with nature. The transition from ‘grey to green and blue infrastructure’ for building and urban design is the goal of our efforts as a collaborative global network because “vegetation makes it possible”.

The University of Auckland

The School of Architecture and Planning, a highly regarded centre for advanced multidisciplinary study and research.  We offer taught and research programmes in architecture, urban planning, urban design and heritage conservation.

The Auckland University College School of Architecture was founded in 1917, and recognised by the University of New Zealand in 1919.  In 1931 the School received international recognition by the Royal Institute of British Architects, and thereafter graduates could expect their qualification to be accepted throughout the world.

In 1955, the Senate of the University of New Zealand approved the foundation of a Department of Town and Country Planning within the Faculty of Architecture, as it had become. The Department aimed “not only to provide instruction in Town Planning but to act as a centre for planning research and to foster public interest in the subject throughout New Zealand”. 

In 2006 the School of Architecture and the Department of Planning merged to become the School of Architecture and Planning, located within the Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries. Today the School continues to enjoy an international reputation, with around 40 permanent academic staff and many hundreds of students enrolled in our taught, research and professional programmes.

Design for Nature

Design for Nature is a registered charity which aims to bring government, industry and researchers together to support nature-based solutions. Design for Nature supports projects that enable healthy, resilient, biodiverse, regenerative, and more equitable places for nature (and that includes us).

Design for Nature has been established for the public benefit to promote nature-based solutions, to build a network of likeminded people and organisations, to offer educational resources, to facilitate the implementation of conservation, regeneration and sustainability projects and to advocate for evidence-based policy changes and regulations that support the thriving and sustainable development of Aotearoa.