Wao Summit Event Programme
Victoria Flats Landfill Site Visit
A unique opportunity to get a tour of our region's only landfill! Hear from the landfill's operators what they're doing to reduce environmental impact and what the community can do better to help!
Journey to 2125
Equity at the Heart: Shaping a future for all as we look toward a thriving and regenerative future in 2125, one question sits at the core: how do we ensure that future is fair, inclusive, and just for everyone?
Your Climate Wake-Up Call
The challenges are real—but so is the opportunity. Join leading experts to explore how we can reignite momentum, embed long-term thinking, and centre climate action in every part of life.
Climate Action - Reading the Critical Signals, Wānaka
As the state and markets retreat from covering climate risks, communities are left to shoulder the burden of resilience. This session explores how we can expand community commons, drawing on insights from the Critical Signals project to prepare for an era of rapid change and cascading disruptions.
Climate Action - Reading the Critical Signals, Queenstown
As the state and markets retreat from covering climate risks, communities are left to shoulder the burden of resilience. This session explores how we can expand community commons, drawing on insights from the Critical Signals project to prepare for an era of rapid change and cascading disruptions.
Food Resilience Day
Hop on the Food Resilience Tour Bus for a full-day journey through three inspiring local initiatives strengthening food resilience in the Upper Clutha.
Feeding the Future
A thought-provoking panel exploring local to global strategies for food resilience, based on the Southern Lakes Kai Collective’s new roadmap for sustainable food futures.
Better Communities Weekend
Explore what it means to create regenerative, connected, and resilient communities. This day features a self-guided walking tour, a hands-on climate workshop, a session on working with nature to manage water and reduce risk, among others. Wrap up the day with an inspiring community film night on regeneration and action. A powerful day for anyone who cares about the future we’re building, together.
Community Walking Tour, Wānaka
Step into the future with this immersive walking tour exploring how local people and projects are shaping a thriving, equitable, and regenerative community, one step at a time.
Climate Club’s Ripple Workshop: Understanding Climate & Imagining Our Future
This workshop is about taking a step back and understanding the causes and consequences of climate change. It brings people together through an interactive format that encourages people to creatively arrive at solutions to the climate crisis together.
Zine for Change: Crafting Climate Action
Create a climate action zine using collage and creativity. Explore local issues, express your vision and leave inspired to spark change. All ages welcome.
Slow the Flow - A Floodplain for the Future
Can we undo decades of damage by working with nature instead of against it? Discover how Environment Southland is reimagining floodplain management to restore balance, reduce risk, and protect precious waterways.
Film Night: ACTionism & Think Like A Forest
A double screening of two powerful climate films, followed by a kōrero with the filmmakers and lead participants, exploring action, regeneration, and connection in the face of crisis.
Showing documentaries ACTionism and Think Like a Forest.
Community Walking Tour, Queenstown
Step into the future with this immersive walking tour exploring how local people and projects are shaping a thriving, equitable, and regenerative community in Queenstown.
Festival of Nature
Join us for a vibrant celebration connecting everyone to nature through a diverse array of experiences. Enjoy the Symphony of Nature: live music and captivating storytelling, thought-provoking films, interactive workshops, and informative stands. Explore and engage with nature in a fun and immersive environment for all ages.
Guided tour of Namaste Park and Gardens
Explore 2.5 hectares on the outskirts of Wānaka, featuring regenerating land with a developing 600-tree arboretum, and extensive ornamental and edible gardens maintained in harmony with nature. This carbon-positive household boasts solar panels, locally sourced food, and electric equipment.
Sustainable Periods
Join Sofia and Charlotte for a hands-on workshop exploring eco-friendly menstrual practices, sustainable period products, and the holistic 'Inner Seasons' approach to menstrual cycles. Learn to reduce waste, manage energy, and improve wellbeing for yourself and the planet.
Climate Solutions Cafe
A facilitated community-organised space for people to have open conversations about the climate crisis, including how it makes us feel.
Feeling our way through crisis: a workshop on navigating ecological distress
Living through environmental crisis can lead to anxiety, grief, and despair. Jodie Jarvis and Dr Susan Wardell, from the University of Otago, lead a workshop acknowledging this, and discussing forms of self-care and community care in response.
Own Your Health
Dr. David Beaumont introduces a new healthcare model centered on empowering individuals as experts in their own health, fostering healing and addressing chronic conditions more effectively.
Building Community Resilience - Wānaka
Learn from the Sustainable Hawke's Bay team about their experiences and actions following Cyclone Gabrielle. This workshop is a must-attend for everyone involved in Community Response Groups.
Let's Do Better Business - Green Drinks
Join us at Wilson and Dorst for a networking event and panel discussion to learn how businesses are driving towards a sustainable future.
Building Community Resilience - Queenstown
Learn from the Sustainable Hawke's Bay team about their experiences and actions following Cyclone Gabrielle. This workshop is a must-attend for everyone involved in Community Response Groups.
Wao Summit 2024 Opening Ceremony
Join us with the dawn chorus for an early morning opening to the Summit at Glendhu Bay.