Few people were unaffected by the financial crisis of 2008/9. Even those whose property, job, investments or savings survived unscathed are now feeling the effects of cuts in public services and austerity measures.

But what happened – and could it happen again? How did we get ourselves in such a mess? Why were bail-outs necessary to major financial institutions? And why has there been such a public outcry in recent months, with demonstrations and ‘occupations’ in more than 900 cities worldwide, including Dunedin?

These questions will be explored at a public forum at St Paul’s Cathedral in the Octagon on Saturday, 19 November from 3.30 – 6.30 pm.

There will be a screening of the movie “Inside Job”, followed by brief reactions from a specially invited panel including Mayor Dave Cull; the Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Rev Dr Trevor James; the Chief Executive of Methodist Mission, Laura Black; and representatives from business, law, the university and other community bodies in Dunedin.

The discussion will be hosted by Damian Newell of More FM.

Jointly organized by a team from the University of Otago and St Paul’s Cathedral, the event aims to explore what happened in 2008 and start a conversation about how a future crisis can be averted, says Professor Andrew Bradstock, Director of the University’s Centre for Theology and Public Issues.

“Whether we think they’re going about it the right way, the ‘occupy’ movement is raising questions that affect us all,” says Professor Bradstock.

“The crisis of 2008 caused hardship to millions, yet without some fresh thinking and a change of heart across the board, what’s to say it won’t all happen again?

"We need a conversation which will engage all sections of the community – that’s the vision behind this Saturday’s event. We’re hardly going to address all the problems in one afternoon, but we have to start somewhere!”

Mayor Cull says the event “is a constructive opportunity to explore some of the issues around the financial debacle that doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon.”

Dean Trevor James says “the global financial crisis must make us question our values, ask how we have become so trapped within a global financial system and consider where we are headed as a nation.”

All are welcome to St. Paul’s Cathedral on 19 November. Admission is free, with a donation invited to help cover costs.

Notes:

The film will be shown 3.30–5.20pm. The panel discussion will be from 5.30–6.30pm.

Narrated by Matt Damon, and distributed by SONY Classic Pictures, “Inside Job” is a documentary charting the origins and development of the global financial crisis.