Not Just a Method, But a Relationship: Systems Thinking in Place

Written By The Lab Team

June 2025

The Lab

A box filled with sand with different shaped toys, sitting in sand

In June, Angie Tangaere and Penny Hagen joined The Systems Sandbox podcast for a kōrero titled “Not Just a Method, But a Relationship.”

The Systems Sandbox is a podcast hosted by Matt Healey and Tenille Moselen, and explores the world of systems thinking and complexity.

In this episode, Penny and Angie reflect on The Lab’s approach to systems change, emphasising the importance of relationships over tools, Indigenous worldviews, and working in ways that are grounded in place and lived experience. They discuss how meaningful systems change requires trust, care and long-term commitment — not just methods or frameworks.

The conversation also explores the connection between personal and collective wellbeing and the role this plays in shaping more equitable and responsive systems.

The episode was recorded as a podcast, which you can listen to here.

The Lab Team https://www.aucklandco-lab.nz/
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From Co-Design to Indigenous Approaches: A talk with Angie Tangaere