07 July 2016 < Back CAPs Young Planners Leader Wins Prestigious Planning Award 07 July 2016 Viral Desai, the leader of CAPs young planners network, has won the 2015 Young Planner of the Year Award from the UKs Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Viral was one of 4 short listed candidates and the winner was announced at the RTPI Awards Ceremony held on 6 July at London’s Shaw Theatre in front of an audience of over 400 planners. Viral received the Award from RTPI President Janet Askew and Steve Quartermain, the UK Government’s Chief Planner. Clive Harridge, CAPs Secretary-General said: “The Award is thoroughly deserved and reflects Viral’s outstanding work as head of CAP’s Young Planners Network which has expanded substantially under his leadership. The Award also recognises Viral’s contribution to the West Midlands RTPI and his excellent work as a Consultant with Amec Foster Wheeler. Congratulations Viral!” Roisin Willmott, RTPI Awards Advisor said: “The judges found Viral to be very personable and an enthusiastic planner with good knowledge of the planning system, and clear views as to the role of planning in promoting sustainable development. Viral is a strong role model for other planners and engaging people in the planning story. He has contributed a great deal to the institute, the Commonwealth Association of Planners and through his outreach work.” The RTPI represents 23,000 planning professionals worldwide and promotes spatial planning, shapes policy and raises professional standards. The Awards for Planning Excellence have been run by the RTPI for over 30 years to recognise planning excellence. RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence . 2016-NEWS-ITEM-CAPs-YPs-Leader-Wins-Award.jpg 2016-NEWS-ITEM-CAPs-YPs-Leader-Wins-Award.jpg 1/1

2023 CAP Planning Awards AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Planning for the Climate Emergency/Move to Net-Zero Award Winner Kuala Lumpur Carbon Neutrality by 2050: A Case Study of Wangsa Maju Growth Centre MALAYSIA UTM-Low Carbon Asia Research Centre As we are all too aware, the climate emergency is a critical global challenge. This award recognises the important role that planning and planners can play in addressing it within the Commonwealth. Chaired by Emeritus Professor Barbara Norman, our judges felt that this project addresses climate change in a large city in the global south. It is strategic and provides the pathway for Kuala Lumpur to achieve its climate change goals by 2050. The project initially focussed on the Wangsa Maju Growth Centre contextual background in terms of mobility, energy, waste, community, and green and open space, which serves as the basis for identifying and formulating carbon mitigation actions and programs. Besides realising city-to-city collaboration by sharing the project’s best practices and approaches with other Commonwealth cities, this project primarily achieves SDG 11, SDG 12, SDG 13 and SDG17. Planning for Cities and Human Settlements/Plan Making in the Commonwealth Award Winner City Plan: Nanaimo Re-Imagined CANADA The City of Nanaimo & Lanarc 2015 Consultants Ltd. To achieve the SDGs, plans need to integrate what is often treated as separate concerns, e.g., biodiversity and transport infrastructure. This award recognises how plans, plan making, and the delivery of a plan can make Commonwealth cities and human settlements safe, healthy, attractive, and more environmentally sustainable. Chaired by Viral Desai, past coordinator of CAP’s Young Planners Network, our judges felt that the Nanaimo City Plan is a remarkable example of implementing Doughnut Economics to create a sustainable model for a city that is trying to balance its environmental capacity while creating a liveable place. It translates theories into practice and transforms the way we approach urban planning. The project engaged an impressive 40,000 residents, including indigenous groups, to achieve this goal, whilst focusing on the SDGs and their potential to be applied to other areas of the Commonwealth. Planning for Equitable and Inclusive Cities and Human Settlements Award Winner Empowering Communities Through Cultural Planning: The Stories of Prince Albert, Yorkton, and Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan CANADA Prairie Wild Consulting Co., the City of Prince Albert, the City of Yorkton, and the City of Moose Jaw Inequalities within and between places are all too evident across the Commonwealth. This award showcases the work of planners in tackling inequalities, working with seldom-heard groups, and engaging with diversity to build inclusion and cohesion. Chaired by CAP Patron, Trudi Elliot CBE, our judges felt that this entry demonstrated how culture, tradition, and identity can be incorporated into planning and projects across the Commonwealth. Inclusive cultural planning techniques were used over the 3 communities, reflecting their strengths, needs and diversity, and showing how indigenous and marginalised populations can be empowered and included in development decisions. It demonstrates how culture can drive long-term development and community empowerment. The entry was felt to live up to its description of a blueprint for culturally diverse communities seeking sustainable development, and deployed techniques and approaches which could be used and adapted in a diverse range of communities and settings within the Commonwealth. Planning for the Conservation of the Built and Natural Environment and Cultural Heritage Award Winner Rejuvenation of Concubine Lane - Ipoh MALAYSIA The Department of Town and Country Planning Malaysia (Plan Malaysia), Ipoh City Council, and the Malaysian Institute of Planners The cultural and natural heritage of places is often fragile and threatened by growth pressure or conversely by disinvestment. This award recognises the work of planners in conserving buildings, areas, or landscapes, and aiding in their interpretation. Chaired by CAP VP for the Canadian Institute of Planners, Jihad Bitar, the judges noted the important collaborative element of this project which aims to enhance the historic district and improve its management. The government policies have been instrumental in promoting heritage tourism by designating a specific area in the local plan to attract more local and foreign tourists to Concubine Lane. The initiative has transformed the Lane into a bustling economic hub and a popular placemaking destination in Ipoh, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The protection and promotion of cultural and heritage elements within the urban fabric is a model for other Commonwealth cities. Young Planner Award: Essay Competition D.M. Sanduni Dissanayake SRI LANKA For the CAP Young Planners Award 2023, young planning students or professionals were invited to submit an essay entry on the topic: Planning for Sustainable, Resilient, and Inclusive Communities: Leveraging Technological Innovation and Increasing Public Participation Chaired by Malith Senevirathne from the CAP Young Planners Network, our panel of judges hailing from across the Commonwealth noted the emphasis on environmentally secure and empowered, engaged, and responsive communities, supported by technology that is appropriate for the locality and the challenges that are faced. The following candidates have been commended for their excellent essays as well: Liza Ayoo - Kenya Nadeesha Lankadhikara - Sri Lanka Abiola Durodola - Nigeria Ezekiel Ufuoma Lucky - Nigeria

2024 CAP Planning Awards AND THE WINNERS ARE ... Planning for Climate Change and Adaptation Chair: Jihad Bitar He Toka Tū Moana Mō Maketū - Maketu Climate Change Adaptation Plan NEW ZEALAND Maketu Tribal Representatives, the Maketu Community, and Conroy | Donald Consultants Ltd This project specifically addresses climate change in a small coastal settlement in the global south. Maketū, a low-lying coastal area in New Zealand, is rising to the challenges of flooding and erosion with resilience and determination. It has embraced an Iwi-led climate adaptation plan known as He Toka Tū Moana Mō Maketū in response to climate change. This visionary plan is dedicated to safeguarding homes, cultural heritage, food supplies, livelihoods, and the environment while inspiring local action and shaping government initiatives for a sustainable future. The applicant has effectively highlighted the award's purpose and deliberately shaped the project's vision and priorities. This dynamic approach can inspire action in other Commonwealth countries as well. The project stands out for its ability to enhance resilience and leverage the power of natural solutions. Planning for Equitable and Inclusive Cities and Human Settlements Chair: Professor Barbara Norman Enhancing Equitable and Accessible Rural Communities Through Community-Led Transport Planning: The Charlotteville Sustainable Transport Community Strategy 2020-2030 TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Dr Julia Kotzebue, Department of Geomatics Engineering and Land Management, The University of West Indies and Trinidad and Tobago Society of Planners This project introduces an innovative and participatory approach to transport planning within a developing urban environment, focusing on community involvement. It aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The implementation of traffic calming measures has led to a safer and more pedestrian-friendly community. Using Google Maps in this initiative is a creative way to highlight community awareness and concerns. This tool helps identify major and minor routes, allowing a better understanding of where infrastructure investments would have the most significant impact. While traffic calming measures are a simple starting point, they represent a practical approach to enhancing the community. Improvements in the transport environment would undoubtedly attract more investment and development to the island, leading to increased job opportunities for the local community. Planning for the Conservation of the Built and Natural Environment and Cultural Heritage Chair: Fazle Reza Sumon Waikawa Integrated Catchment Management Plan NEW ZEALAND Boffa Miskell and the Ministry for the Environment The Waikawa Integrated Catchment Management Plan is a community-led initiative to revitalize the health of the Waikawa River. This plan enhances environmental well-being and enriches the community's social, cultural, and economic landscape. The proposal advocates for the sustainable preservation of local water bodies and for the protection of surrounding catchments. It introduces effective measures to improve ecological vitality and expand recreational opportunities. Additionally, it serves as a dynamic platform for sharing values and insights, fostering innovative projects, monitoring our progress, and celebrating our collective achievements. Young Planner Award: Essay Competition Chong Poul Liang MALAYSIA Malaysian Institute of Planners For the CAP Young Planners Award 2024, young planning students or professionals were invited to submit an essay entry on the topic: Cities by Citizen - Harnessing Innovations for Active Participation Towards Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements "This essay demonstrates exceptional insight through the use of three strong examples, particularly highlighting Participatory Budgeting as a transformative tool for equitable resource distribution in low-income and deprived areas, supported by thoughtful analysis of the Decidim platform in Barcelona and its application in Cape Town. The proposal of a 4th-tier planning framework, with formal mechanisms like Planning Boards and participatory budget boards, reflects a forward-thinking approach to enhancing local participation, supported by dedicated budgets and resources to drive meaningful community engagement." The following candidates have been commended for their excellent essays as well: Neesha Ranaweera - United Kingdom - Royal Town Planning Institute Yashodha Prasadini Karunarathna - Sri Lanka - Institute of Town Planners, Sri Lanka

30 August 2016 < Back Latest News from the President of CAP - August 2016 30 August 2016 It's a busy time for CAP and our member Institutes with lots of on ground activities and preparations for Habitat 3 in Ecuador in October where the New Urban Agenda is likely to be adopted and discussions held around implementation projects to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. CAP will be holding its biennial business meetingand a joint conference with the New Zealand Institute ( www.capconference.com ) and we hope to see you there. CAP currently represents over 40 000 planners from 27countries throughout the Commonwealth including African, Asian, Australasian and Caribbean countries. CAP also has a Women in Planning network and a Young Planners network and plays a leading role in developing the planning profession and planners throughout the countries of the Commonwealth. CAP works closely with other key stakeholders, such as UN Habitat, other Commonwealth professional associations and ComHabitat, and planning networks from beyond the Commonwealth, in promoting planning as being essential to sustainable development. CAP has presented at a series of Commonwealth, World Urban Forum and UN Habitat events calling for the endorsement of core values of planning for climate change, health, marine areas and small island states, good governance, gender equality and sustainable inclusive and equitable development. Good planning helps secure manage growth, and contributes to the wellbeing of individuals, communities and natural environments. CAP will continue to work with our global partners and members to advocate for good planning and to assist the profession and I look forward to leading the association in this important work. I would like to thank the Secretary-General of CAP, Clive Harridge who continues to volunteer and assist this organisation. I would also like to thank the Royal Town Planning Institute for their ongoing support of CAP specifically through the hosting of the CAP secretariat Annette O Donnell. Dy Currie CAP President Former-President-Dy-Currie.png Former-President-Dy-Currie.png 1/1

07 July 2020 < Back Survey of Planning Built Environment Professions Released 07 July 2020 A survey of Planning Associations and Built Environment Professions in the Commonwealth released on 24 June. Responses from 4 disciplines across 33 Commonwealth countries were received. The key findings of the survey reveal that: There is a critical lack of capacity in many of the Commonwealth countries which are rapidly urbanising and are among the most vulnerable. There is a lack of educational and institutional capacity to grow the professions fast enough in many Commonwealth countries. There is increasing recognition of weakness in built environment policy (ie planning policy and building code) in many Commonwealth countries in terms of standards, implementation, and enforcement. The survey results are a critical tool to consider the capacity of many Commonwealth countries to resource the growth of their cities and are available for use by the profession at http://commonwealthsustainablecities.org/survey/ 1/0

By Becky Farr, Birmingham City Council < Back How Planners Contributed to the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 05 October 2022 By Becky Farr, Birmingham City Council ‘It’s a Brum (Planning) Ting’ Becky Farr is a proud Brummie, and Development Planning Manager at Birmingham City Council. She reflects on what the Commonwealth Games has done for Birmingham, and what planning has done for the Commonwealth Games. The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games has drawn to a close; a fantastic event which has been a celebration of sport, culture, and importantly of this wonderful city, which has long shied away from the spotlight but has now taken its chance to shine. I’ve loved the Games experience, although I’ll admit that I only made it 10 minutes into the BBC’s coverage ahead of the opening ceremony before I cried! In fact, being overly emotional has been somewhat of a theme over the last few days – the excitement of Uganda nearly beating the Aussies in the Rugby Sevens; the sheer perfection of Joe Fraser’s gold-medal winning pommel horse routine; and the heartbreak of David Weir’s puncture in the marathon – I’ve felt it all. I’ve also loved the positivity and buzz it’s generated, and the enthusiasm – not just for sport but for the city and region. But now the sporting excitement is over, it’s a moment to reflect on the achievements since the day in early 2017 when I was first involved in a meeting to discuss commissioning a feasibility study for Birmingham’s bid to host a Commonwealth Games. It seemed so far off, although we had far less time than previous host cities – just 4.5 years from when Birmingham was officially announced compared to the seven years usually available to host cities. Planning’s Contribution What has been delivered in these last few years is – I am proud to say – nothing short of amazing. So many people have been involved, but as a planner one of the biggest things I see when I walk around Birmingham today is the myriad ways in which planning, and planners, have contributed to delivering the Games. Some contributions are immediately visible. That beautiful Alexander Stadium which hosted the opening ceremony and athletics events? I can’t count the number of planners involved in preparing and determining the various applications necessary to make that happen. The same with the Aquatics Centre, the athletes’ villages, redeveloped rail stations, and other facilities required to host the Games. Some are less visible. Birmingham’s Local Plan provided a robust strategic framework for decisions around investment in transport and venues, and unlocked CIL contributions which have supported the redevelopment of Perry Barr station. Accelerated Growth The initial vision to accommodate athletes and officials in the new residential development at Perry Barr may have been thwarted by Covid, but it was driven by an ambition to use the Games to accelerate the growth ambitions already identified, and the scheme now being delivered in Perry Barr certainly does that! That scheme couldn’t have been achieved without a compulsory purchase order. 27 hectares of land was assembled for new public transport and active travel infrastructure, homes (now able to be occupied sooner due to not being used for the Games), green spaces, a school, and further commercial and residential development opportunities. And the venue at Smithfield is a temporary use on what will form part of a major city centre redevelopment phased over the next 20 years. Some contributions capitalised on the breadth and transferability of a planners’ skills: being part of the initial Games bid team, securing funding for infrastructure, masterplanning and design, strategic visioning, consultation, engagement and stakeholder management, housebuilding, contributing to a legacy plan and monitoring framework, project management, capturing social value, and – most especially – team work. What Comes Next? And some of our contributions are about what comes next. The Games has done a lot for Birmingham already: it has a new confidence which has united the development sector across the region, just as much as it has united communities; it has changed mindsets, and for Birmingham as a Local Authority, as a place to invest, and for me personally. It will continue to do so – influencing the way we plan, the scale of ambition we have, and the way the worlds see our city, for years to come. I’ll finish, then, on looking forward. The Games has highlighted what planning and planners can do, and given us a chance to find new ways to contribute to ‘levelling up’, deliver on challenging housing targets, create healthy and resilient places, and pursue a zero-carbon future. Specifically, planning will help deliver the strong legacy set out in our Perry Barr 2040: A Vision for Legacy masterplan , and in the Delivering a Bold Legacy for Birmingham host city legacy plan . The Commonwealth Games? It’s a Planning ting! Previous Back to Top Next

08 August 2018 < Back CAP Young Planners Essay Winners 08 August 2018 I am very pleased to announce that Joanna Patton (Canadian Institute of Planners) and Wessel Strydom (South African Planning Institute) are the winners of the GBP£1,000 (British pounds) grants to attend the CAP biennial Business Meeting and Planning Africa 2018 in Cape Town, South Africa 14-17 October 2018. A copy of their essay is available here: Joanna Patton (Canadian Institute of Planners) Wessel Strydom (South African Planning Institute) Both had great essays about different topical issues about how young planners in the Commonwealth can contribute to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Joanna’s piece was thought provoking, insightful and provided guidance to young planners on how to practice effectively for an aged population. Wessel’s essay made us reflect that sometimes we focus on the global/national policies, but Wessel’s piece highlights the importance of ‘place-making’ and small scale initiatives in creating sustainable places. Most importantly and what made these stand-out to the judges was that they recommended how planners should practice effectively in a planning profession that often does not look to practice from across the globe. Well done- we look forward to meeting you at this year’s Conference in Cape Town. Overall the standard of the submission was extremely high. We had over 30 entries, which is a great achievement in itself, so thank you all for time spent and giving us your valuable thoughts on this topic. Due to the high calibre of entrants we have decided with the support of the 7 other finalists, to also publish their entries: Rachel Akintunde (Nigerian Institute of Town Planners) Katherine Crerar (Royal Town Planning Institute) Jade Ansted (New Zealand Planning Institute) Roy-Layinde Hakeem (Nigerian Institute of Town Planners) Victoria Willes (Canadian Institute of Planners) Anna Bevington (Royal Town Planning Institute) Ian Stevens (Royal Town Planning Institute) We decided to publish these finalists because it is the goal of the CAP Young Planners Network to share practice and ideas across the Commonwealth and actively encourage Young Planners to challenge the Status Quo in our profession. The 9 essays here show the importance of new ideas, showing other young planners how they can implement SDG11 and what young planners could do, but most importantly it illustrates the work and thoughts of Young Planners which we can learn and implement in our daily work. Thank you all for your entries and we look forward to seeing your active involvement in the network again in the near future. Yours Sincerely, Viral Desai CAP Young Planners Network Co-ordinator 2018-Planning-Africa-Logo.jpg 2018-Planning-Africa-Logo.jpg 1/1

8 November 2019 < Back World Town Planning Day 2019 8 November 2019 A World Town Planning Day 2019 message from the CAP President and Presidents of the Global Planners Network associations. At its heart, planning is about equity: it serves to balance the competing demands and needs of all people and of the built and natural environment. Planning seeks to act in the public interest to ensure fairness in the use of land and resources between those in need of housing, of jobs, of services and of infrastructure and those whose lives, property or outlooks might be harmed by such development. And it serves to strike a fair balance in meeting the needs of the present generation with the future needs and quality of life of generations to come, applying the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by world leaders at an historic UN summit in New York in 2015. That is why planning is central to humankind’s efforts to address climate change and take decisive action to safeguard our land, homes, economies and natural habitats so that future generations might share the benefits that present generations enjoy ... Read More World-Town-Planning-Day.png World-Town-Planning-Day.png 1/1

Calendar of events for Commonwealth Association of Planners and its members, and events of interest to planners globally. Calendar of Events See what's happening with the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) and its Members on this calendar, which is updated often. Time zones are indicated; you can convert your time zone here.

21 June 2020 < Back Faces of Cap Young Planners Network 21 June 2020 Moments that tell stories… At CAP Young Planners Network, we are currently working on new content and extending our reach to Young People and other Young Planners. But we need your help! We are looking for as many photos of young planners as possible. Whether you are at your desk, on site, out in the communities or have taken some pictures at your events – we want to include you as a face of the CAP Young Planners Network. While we'd love high-quality pictures, images taken on your smartphone are also very useful! All kinds of images are welcome to help tell the story of how planners contribute to the communities. Please click here to submit send your images For any enquiries, please contact capyoungplannersnetwork@gmail.com We look forward to receiving your photos. 2020-Faces-of-CAP-Young-Planners.png 2020-Faces-of-CAP-Young-Planners.png 1/1

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24 October 2018 < Back CAP Award Winners 24 October 2018 The inaugural CAP awards were announced on 16th of October in Capetown during the SAPI Planning Africa Conference and CAP biennial Business Meeting. The judging panel consisted of Professor Barbara Norman (Australia), Emeritus Professor Cliff Hague OBE (CAP Past President) and Trudi Elliott CBE (CAP Patron) With nominations received from across the Commonwealth, the independent panels of judges reviewed the entries in detail and awarded 4 commendations and 1 overall award for excellence. Congratulations to all nominees and winners! CAP is also pleased to announce that the awards program has been confirmed as an annual event from 2019. The Winner: Innovative risk-based planning & engagement for Natural Hazards Key organisations: Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Enfocus, GNS Science & Integrity Professionals Limited. Location: Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand. In 2012 the Bay of Plenty Regional Council (New Zealand) embarked on a process to change its Regional Policy Statement (RPS) to better manage risk through land use planning. The resulting 2016 operative RPS has risk-based natural hazards provisions that provide a regionally-consistent framework for managing the region’s natural hazards, including low likelihood and high consequence hazards, according to their risk (determined by both likelihood and consequence). This outcome, at the forefront of the nation’s risk approach to avoiding and mitigating natural hazards, was achieved through: formal governance direction and decision making, a collaborative project management process reflecting the complexity of the subject matter and the breadth to interests involved, and responsive policy formulation that took account of evolving national guidance, led innovative community engagement, and addressed the needs of stakeholders. Judges Citation: With a thorough and innovative approach led by planners and recognising diversity, engagement and the need for simplicity the judges thought this was a worthy winner. The approach taken has particular relevance across the Commonwealth when thinking about climate change, hazards and other resilience challenges. The judges noted the use of a natural hazard integrated approach, planning science and wider considerations of risk. Great planning skills were displayed and their story was well told. Commendations: Embedding Young People in Planning and Engagement Processes Key organisations: Cred Consulting, City of Parramatta Council. Location: Parramatta CBD, Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The City of Parramatta, located in Western Sydney, Australia, is experiencing significant growth and transformation through urban renewal. By 2036, young people (aged 12 to 24) will represent 16% of the population (64,000 people), while thousands of young people from diverse backgrounds visit the Parramatta CBD each day to work, study, and shop. The Needs of Young People in the Parramatta CBD study aimed to recognise the contribution of young people to the City, identify opportunities to make the CBD more welcoming for young people, and make recommendations to embed engagement with young people in Council’s planning activities. This resulted in the first youth led annual Parramatta Youth Forum which provides an ongoing mechanism to build community capacity in planning, engage with young people, and inform major planning and policy projects. Judges Commendations: With the age profile of the commonwealth the judges felt that this entry demonstrated the benefits of embedding young people in planning and engagement processes. Planners across the commonwealth will be interested in the committee and effective approach to engaging young people by the planners involved. Overall the judges felt a wide range of skills were involved and demonstrated to have been effective Risk Mapping and Planning for Urban Preparedness Key organisations: Beca International Consultants Limited. Location: Port Vila and Luganville, Vanuatu. The project assembled and interpreted a substantial body of existing data into risk maps fir the five natural hazards (flood, earthquake, wind, coastal inundation and tsunami) for the two main urban settlements of Vanuatu - Port Vila and Luganville. The maps categorised risks from natural hazards using a simplified "traffic light"approach. Future growth trends were examined as well as recent settlement patterns. A risk responsive management strategy was developed to address mapped hazard distributions including risk sensitive land use planning development controls (building code) and early warning system for evacuation planning. Community lead tsunami evacuation plans were developed and signage provided for evacuation routes. Evacuation drills have been undertaken. The project has provided the Government of Vanuatu planners and managers with evidence based, realistic but simplified hazard models and maps to allow risk responsive future planning. Judges Commendation: The judges commended the planning skills displayed in addressing challenges of a small island state and the hazards they must plan for-an important issue for the Commonwealth. It demonstrates the Resilience benefits of good planning. The judges were impressed by the outreach to women and youth and commitment to meaningful inclusion. There are lessons to be drawn for commonwealth planners in the approach to risk mapping and planning for urban preparedness. A very good resilience plan for Vanuatu. Te Tai Tokerau Papakāinga Toolkit Key organisations: Barker & Associates, in collaboration with Far North District Council, Kaipara District Council, Northland Regional Council and Whangarei District Council. Location: Northland, New Zealand. In mid-2017, four councils and a planning consultancy based in Northland, New Zealand began to work collaboratively on a guidance tool to assist Māori land owners to navigate the planning process to undertake papakāinga developments on their ancestral lands. The outcome of this collaboration was the Te Tai Tokerau Papakāinga Toolkit (‘the Toolkit’) and an associated summary brochure, which provide an accessible and informative medium to assist Māori land owners. The Toolkit simplifies the planning process into five identified steps with key contact details and associated questionnaires, checklists and diagrams. The document marries together traditional Māori concepts (tikanga) with the technical knowledge required to navigate the planning process. Communication is universal. The planning profession is often criticised for being overly wordy and long winded. The Toolkit shows that effective graphic design and simple communication techniques can be applied across the Commonwealth to effectively engage with stakeholders and communities. Judges Commendation: Commendation The judges felt this demonstrated the valuable role that a non-statutory initiative can play in filling a significant gap. The recognition of Maori disadvantage was a valuable lesson in inclusion. The techniques used are of relevance to many commonwealth partners but not exclusively to indigenous groups' land rights in other colonised commonwealth countries. The Judges particularly liked the explicit links to the sustainable development goals (SDGs). The project demonstrated the power of well delivered non-statutory initiatives in planning in shaping good outcomes. Ghana 40-year Long Term National Development Plan Key organisations: Government of Ghana, Ghana Institute of Planners Location: Ghana. In 2010, the government of Ghana set up a Constitutional Review Committee to review the national Constitution which has been in practice since 1992. The Committee teased out 44 items to engage the public in the discussion. In the end, 50% of the respondents requested for the preparation of a long-term national development plan which should be made binding on all successive governments. The government rejected it as it will 'have the effects of a command model of development planning and tie the hands of successive governments to the ideological interest and policies of a particular political party' . The Ghana Institute of Planners adopted an advocacy role by engaging the public through data collection, sensitization of its members, press briefings, stakeholder engagements, dialogue with key stakeholders to make our position known to the government. In the process other national bodies joined the 'crusade' and the government eventually adopted the concept and the plan is being prepared for implementation. Judges Commendation The Judges felt this project as an excellent example of the planner as advocate, a key role for planners within the Commonwealth. They described the supporting report as a great read which would be of practical use to commonwealth planners in many advocacy situations. The judges commended the Advocacy role of a National Institute here for National Development Plan. The project used smart and effective political and public engagement 2018-CAP-Awards_edited_edited.jpg 2018-CAP-Awards_edited_edited.jpg 1/1