Engagement practice has moved. We need to move with it.
Engagement practice has evolved. Practitioners now work in more dynamic, relational and complex settings, with engagement led by communities as well as organisations.
Engagement Cortex is our next-generation model for contemporary community and stakeholder engagement. It offers a new way to consider how communities and organisations influence decisions, take action and work together.
When an organisation leads engagement, Engagement Cortex helps identify how communities can influence decisions and actions. When communities lead, it helps organisations consider how they can support that work.
At its centre is Build Understanding: engaging respectfully, learning about one another and sharing accurate information in a timely way.
Engagement Cortex was developed through more than three years of discussion, engagement and research across Australia and New Zealand. It responds to what practitioners have been asking for: a model that is strategically simple, dynamic, relational and clear about levels of community influence and organisational contribution.
Engagement Cortex is now open for wider member and practitioner testing before its formal launch. The decision to proceed with the model has been made. This phase is focused on strengthening its explanation and practical application, and identifying the guidance, examples and resources people will need to use it.
Explore the resources below and share your feedback:
Engagement Cortex (Portrait)
View the portrait version of the new model.
Engagement Cortex (Landscape)
View the landscape version of the new model.
Engagement Cortex (Greyscale)
View the greyscale version of the new model.
We’ve produced a series of videos with leading practitioners Anne Pattillo, Amanda Newbery and Amy Hubbard to delve into the next generation engagement model.
How did we get here
Understanding what it is
How would you use it
Guidance Note
View the Guidance Note for a practical overview of the Engagement Cortex.
Engagement Cortex Mapping
Mapping the Engagement Cortex against previous models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about the new model? Take a look at the FAQs.
Join a Test Lab to explore Engagement Cortex, apply it to real-world engagement scenarios and tell us what works, and what needs to be strengthened.
Test Lab Locations
Sydney CBD | Wednesday 21 October 2026
Sydney Parramatta | Thursday 12 November 2026
Ōtautahi Christchurch | Monday 9 November 2026
Tauranga | Tuesday 10 November 2026
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland | Wednesday 11 November 2026
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington | Thursday 12 November 2026
Melbourne | Friday 13 November 2026 – Registration opening soon
Brisbane | 17 November 2026
More events coming soon.
The Cortex is where the brain processes data and turns it into sophisticated executive decisions. Cortex positions engagement as the intelligence of the project. It’s scalable, it’s memorable and it reflects evidence based practice and systems thinking.
Use the survey to share your feedback on Engagement Cortex.
Your feedback will inform the development of implementation and transition support, including practical guidance, examples, resources and training to help practitioners and organisations use the model.
The survey closes Monday, 30 November 2026.