Nick Williamson

Nick Williamson is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience at the intersection of Planning, Surveying, Law, and Spatial Science. With a strong background in local government, he has become recognized for his expertise in acting as an interpreter between technocrats and laypeople. Currently, Nick is deeply passionate about the emerging fields of Civic Technology and GeoDesign, which are revolutionizing the way governments engage with communities worldwide.

Nick's career highlights include spearheading the Kamo Place Race town planning process, which transformed the relationship between citizens and Council by shifting the Council's role from an arbitrator to a community facilitator. This groundbreaking project received widespread acclaim, including the prestigious award for Best Use of Social Media in Local Government. Nick showcased his achievements and insights from this project during his TEDx Christchurch talk in 2014.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Nick actively contributes to the development of his industry. He serves as an organizer and mentor at Startup Weekend and Global GovJam service design events. Additionally, he is a valuable member of the organizing committee for the nationwide GovHack event, where he nurtures the hackathon and open data communities in New Zealand and beyond.

Nick's educational background includes a Postgraduate Diploma of Science in Surveying Technology/Surveying and a Bachelor of Science in Land Use Planning and Management/Development, both obtained from the University of Otago. Further, he has deepened his expertise through studies in Surveying Technology/Surveying at the University of Auckland.

With a career spanning various organizations and roles, Nick has honed his skills and contributed to the advancement of his field. He has held roles such as Principal Consultant at Align Limited, Trustee at Techable Trust, Co-Founder at GovWorks NZ, and NZ National Organiser at GovHack. His diverse experiences also encompass positions at Fluid Industries Ltd, Mashmatix, Melted Consulting, Spatial Fusion, Whangarei District Council, Boffa Miskell, Manukau City Council, Sustainable Solutions Ltd, and Xplan Limited.

Overall, Nick Williamson's extensive background and commitment to innovation in the areas of Planning, Surveying, Law, and Spatial Science make him a highly regarded professional in his field. With his expertise in Civic Technology and GeoDesign, he is at the forefront of transforming government-community engagement.