Miguel is currently the Network Optimisation Technical Lead at Auckland Transport, in pursuit of getting the most of the existing road network from a safe, multi-modal and positive people-experience perspective. Miguel is committed to highlighting the significance of having a plan for operating the network, to align with strategic intent and vision, and that it is possible to establish win-win outcomes for safety and the movement of people and goods in our cities. He has a transportation planning and engineering background, and been with Auckland Transport since its inception in November 2010.

Simon Kingham is Ahorangi o te Matawhenua/Professor of Geography at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha/the University of Canterbury in Otautahi Christchurch, Aotearoa New Zealand. He teaches and researches on a range of issues related to the impact of the urban environment on wellbeing, with a specific focus on transport. He was seconded to New Zealand government as their Kaitohutohu Matua Pūtaiao/Chief Science Advisor for Te Manatū Waka/the Ministry of Transport for six years till May 2024.

Cath Jacobs leads Abley’s Consultation and Engagement services, working with government agencies across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States to deliver communication and engagement strategies that underpin successful road safety programs, Safe System readiness, and Speed Management initiatives. Her strength lies in building stakeholder trust and securing meaningful community support, ensuring that policy and infrastructure changes lead to tangible, real-world outcomes. Cath holds a BA in Political Science, is IAP2 Certified, and is a member of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand.

Anna Bray Sharpin is a Principal Transportation Advisor at Abley, specialising in Safe System-based road safety. She is passionate about enhancing the accessibility and safety of streets to foster more sustainable and socially inclusive communities. Anna has led and contributed to urban mobility and road safety projects across Brazil, Mexico, the United States, and New Zealand, ranging from developing international best-practice guidance to implementing street-level design improvements. Anna holds an MSc in City Design and Social Science and a BSc in Environmental Studies and Human Geography. She is a member of both the Australasian College of Road Safety (ACRS) and the Engineering New Zealand Transportation Group..

Dr Rajan Ghosh is a Senior Advisor in the Transport Strategy Team at Wellington City Council, New Zealand. He brings experience in both local government and academia, with research interests spanning human mobility and migration, impact assessment, and urban environmental management. Driven by a strong commitment to sustainability and community well-being, Rajan focuses on delivering evidence-based research and data-driven insights that support better outcomes for people, place, and the environment.

Alice is a PhD student in public health and doctor specialised in general practice where she sees an escalating burden of chronic illness related to physical inactivity. This has led to an interest in how public policy decisions can create healthy living conditions or perpetuate harmful ones, such as through car-first transport policy. Alice is excited about the vibrant spaces and healthy communities we can achieve when urban places are designed around people rather than vehicles. Her research explores the influence strategies of powerful actors in transport policy processes, questioning whether vested interests are holding us back from a healthy, sustainable transport future.