Children’s worlds are complex and undergoing immense changes reflective of both social and physical changes in the societies in which they live. Children’s lives are simultaneously becoming richer and more deprived. This conundrum is explored by examining the main activity spaces of children, radiating out from home and neighbourhood to cultural space, natural space and children’s relationship to the city centre.
The talk explores what we know and don’t know about spaces children use and what works and what doesn’t work for children living in the city. It concludes by looking at some of the developing challenges facing city managers in building more sustainable neighbourhoods and societies and in growing cities that will nurture and support children’s future well being. This talk presents some of the debates and concerns raised in the forthcoming book by Freeman and Tranter ‘Changing Worlds: Children and their Urban Environments’.
Professor Claire Freeman is Associate Professor and Director of the Post Graduate Planning Programme at the Department of Geography, University of Otago, New Zealand.
Barbara Lambourn is National Advocacy Manager for UNICEF NZ. The role involves identifying and advocating on matters that impact on children in New Zealand, in respect of their rights under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Dr. Adrian Field is a director of Synergia, a research, evaluation and strategic design company based in Auckland.
This lecture is being held in conjunction with the University of Otago, Wellington Dean’s Lecture Series.
Wednesday 16 June, 12-1.30pm.
NORDMEYER LECTURE THEATRE
Wellington School of Medicine
23a Mein St
Newtown
Wellington