Daniel Kinnoch
Planner and Director, CoLab Planning 

I am Daniel Kinnoch, and I am excited to present my candidacy for a position on the Board of the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP). With a Bachelor’s degree in Urban & Regional Planning and over 12 years of experience in the field, I am well-versed in the complexities and nuances of planning. My areas of expertise range from planning assessments and decision-making to policy development, and I am especially passionate about leveraging technology to enhance our work. 

Reasons for Standing for Election 

I have been a member of ISOCARP for over a decade and have participated in activities such as the placemaking design charette in Wuhan in 2018. My long association with the society has given me a clear understanding of its mission, as well as insights into areas that could be improved or expanded. 

Motivations for Volunteer Work 

One of my key motivators is the glaring lack of awareness about ISOCARP in Australia and New Zealand. I’ve interacted with young planners in Auckland who have never even heard of ISOCARP. As a board member, I would work to bridge this gap and promote the society’s objectives in the region. I am particularly keen on establishing formal relationships between Australian and New Zealand planning institutes and ISOCARP to facilitate information sharing. 

ISOCARP Initiatives of Interest 

I am interested in leading ISOCARP’s foray into the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Language Model Technologies (LLM) in planning. As the leader of AI-mpact, a specialised group focusing on AI and GPT technologies within the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI), I have both the interest and expertise to guide ISOCARP in this emerging field. 

Challenges and Solutions 

ISOCARP is perceived as a Europe-centric organisation, and I believe one of the challenges is making it more inclusive and representative. My candidacy aims to give voice to the perspectives and needs of planners in Australia and New Zealand. I would also advocate for the development of formal guidelines and training on the ethical use of new technologies in planning work. 

I am excited at the prospect of serving on the ISOCARP Board to implement these ideas and contribute to the growth and direction of the society. 

Thank you for considering my candidacy.