Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link.

What does it take to change systems — not just tweak them? In this powerful episode, Angie Tangaere and Penny Hagen from the Auckland Co-Design Lab share what it means to lead transformative, indigenous-led systems change rooted in place, relationships, and real-world learning. From rethinking how government works with communities, to why personal healing matters in policy reform, this is a conversation that blends the deeply practical with the radically human. If you care about equity, complexity, or creating meaningful change that lasts — this one’s for you.

If you're interested in learning more, here's some links to references made in the episode:

• The Auckland Co-Design Lab (https://www.aucklandco-lab.nz) and The Southern Initiative (https://www.tsi.nz/)
• Human Learning Systems (https://www.humanlearning.systems/)
• Healing Systems for Change (https://ssir.org/articles/entry/healing-trauma-systems)

Throughout the episode you may hear references to terms or parts of Aotearoa New Zealand's history and culture. You're welcome to use the below links to learn a bit more about these to help you get the most out of the episode.

• Hear some terms that you're not familiar with? Start here:
  https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/maori-language-week/100-maori-words
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) is a foundational document for Aotearoa New Zealand (https://nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/treaty/the-treaty-in-brief)

For more about us and what we do check out our LinkedIn page.

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link.

In today's episode, Matt and Tenille talk with Jacinta Perry from Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (TQKP) about what it means to view partnerships as systems, focusing on child-centered frameworks for systemic change. Jacinta explains the role of TQKP as a systems intermediary, aimed at creating conditions for kids to thrive in Queensland by connecting stakeholders from various sectors. She delves into the organisation's initiatives, including the Country Collaborative and Thriving Kids in Disasters, emphasising the significance of relationships and partnerships. Jacinta shares some of her insights on how systems thinking applies in her work, the role of ecological system-based metaphors, and the importance of going slowly with haste.

Below are some links to things discussed in the episode:

• Thriving Kids in Disasters Action and Investment Plan
• Thriving Kids in Disasters Report
• TQKP Draft Phase 3 Strategy
• Country Collaborative Social Network Analysis Webinar
• Human Learning Systems

For more about us and what we do check out our LinkedIn page.

Have some feedback, or a question you want us to answer? You can send us a text by following this link.

We've hit the 10-episode mark! To celebrate, we're unpacking food systems with the help of Dheepa Jeyapalan, Food Systems Lead Convenor at Regen Melbourne.

In this episode of The Systems Sandbox, Dheepa shares her journey from studying dietetics through to working with mothers and babies in the UK to her current role at Regen Melbourne. Dheepa, Tenille, and Matt delve into the complexities of what it's like to work in food systems, and some of the nuances that come with making progress from the current state of things to an optimistic future. The conversation covers the professional side - but also the role that personal connections to food can play in navigating complexity.

This episode has something for everyone - and even some recipe ideas for baked fish!

Links and resources:

• Dheepa's Substack 'Cornucopia' - read and signup for regular reading on food systems
• The Regen Melbourne website and the City Portrait
• Kate Raworth's TedTalk on Doughnut Economics
• An article on the Three Horizons Framework hosted on The Systems Thinker website

For more about us and what we do check out our LinkedIn page.