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Critical Signals

Critical Signals

Critical Signals is a gathering place for people who believe communities shape their own futures.

Critical Signals hosts talks, workshops, and gatherings, where our local community can navigate disruptions in our society, culture, and climate.

We connect artists, academics, activists and makers with the public to explore challenges and solutions, sparking critical discourse and action.

Upcoming Events

1 October 2026

Kiekie Koha Coffee Hours The ‘Young Old’ in Democracy: ageism, aging and collective resilience

3 October 2026

Ghosts of the City: A Walking Tour

7 October 2026

Build Sprint: Pōneke Climate Hub x Critical Signals x two/fiftyseven

10 October 2026

Sonic Herbarium: A Field Recording Workshop
See the full programme

Recent Events

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2026 Themes

Democracy and Energy

Stuff that Sustains

The life, culture, energy, and resources that sustain us, and what might be enough.

Community Energy

The infrastructure and the people that keep us alive, with the collective will to act together.

Unfolding Futures

The multiple futures unfolding before us, and how we prepare in community.

Next Step Democracy

What comes next for the ways we work, decide, and build our own worlds together.

Politics of Space

How we utilise the power of space and place in ways that enable us all.

Areas of Focus

  • Next Step Democracy
  • The Future of Energy
  • Te Tiriti + Land Based Futures
  • Disaster Preparedness
  • Community Infrastructure
  • De-Growth / Post-Growth
  • Commoning Spaces Together
  • Thriving Social Hubs
  • Housing Cooperatives
  • Sufficiency / Enough
  • Reclaiming the Future

Prior art