Mark Ames from Sydney-based Strategic Cities specialises in media management and engagement strategy for cities and government agencies. He played an influential role in London, helping to secure an ambitious and controversial 10-year one billion pound cycling strategy and action plan. Other clients include Auckland Transport, and the cities of Sydney, Adelaide and Vincent (WA).

He recently visited New Zealand courtesy of Boffa Miskell, to discuss how to overcome resistance to change in cities.

LAA: You say the way we talk about ideas is as important as the idea itself - why is that?

MA: We say we value communication a lot in our industry, but sometimes I wonder if that’s really the case! I’ve been in many meetings where the proponents of ideas – good ideas – fail to successfully communicate change, and are then shocked at the way the community reacts. People have an emotional attachment to the places they live. Whether you’re reclassifying farmland as an outstanding area or moving someone’s favourite car parking space, if your plans challenge those emotional attachments then the people who hold them will have an emotional response. That’s why the so-called soft skills of engaging and communicating are critical to success.

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