Upcoming Events
Festival of Nature - Wao Summit
Join us for a vibrant celebration connecting everyone to nature through a diverse array of experiences. Enjoy Nature’s Symphony: live music and captivating storytelling, thought-provoking films, interactive workshops, and informative stands.
Summit Green Drinks - Mata-Au, the Mighty Clutha
The mighty Mata-au (Clutha River) was, and is still, an intrinsic part of communities living in and around Wānaka. Join us for a discussion with the trustees of the Mata-Au Trust to learn about their work as kaitiakitanga of the awa (river).
Summt Green Drinks - Building Banter
Join us for a networking event and an expert panel to learn how the building ecosystem is leading action towards a sustainable future.
Summit Green Drinks - Climate Solutions Cafe
Join us for an open conversation about the climate crisis, how it makes us feel, and what we can do about it, combined with real-life local solutions everyone can apply.
Summit Green Drinks - Let's Do Better Business
Join us for a networking event and panel discussion to learn how businesses are driving towards a sustainable future.
Summit Green Drinks - What Will 2050 Look Like?
By 2050, the Southern Lakes population is expected to increase significantly, with an aging demographic and more two-person households. Climate change will exacerbate risks, affecting tourism-dependent economies through extreme weather and water resource challenges. This necessitates resilient infrastructure and adaptation strategies. Join us for a panel discussion with Dr. Paul Spoonley, Dr. Greg Bodeker, and Emma Horgan-Heke.
Wao Film Night: Io Capitano
Join us for our first Wao Film Night of the year: a Talk & Screen on the theme of migration on Sep 17 at Cinema Paradiso.
Wao Summit 2024 Programme Launch
You're invited to Wao's Summit Programme Launch event, a friendly gathering of our audience, partners, volunteers, stakeholders and supporters. Join us to discover the programme for this year's event and enjoy mingling over drinks at the fun and fabulous Rhyme & Reason. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Better Building presents: Andrew Eagles in Queenstown
BETTER BUILDING PRESENTS: ANDREW EAGLES
When: 16 July @ 5pm
Where: Canyon Brewing, Queenstown @ 1 Arthurs Point Road, Arthurs Point, Queenstown 9371
What: CEO of the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) Andrew Eagles is coming to Queenstown!
Andrew joined the New Zealand Green Building Council in September 2016 as Chief Executive. The NZGBC is the country’s leading not-for-profit for the sustainable built environment. As well as exemplary research, the NZGBC oversees Homestar and Green Star the award winning certifications for New Zealand homes and buildings, and NABERSNZ, the tool for confirming performance of offices in use.
Recently, the Queenstown Lakes District Council launched its climate action plan including the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44% by 2030.
Across Aotearoa New Zealand, the built environment contributes 20% of our emissions.
So, how do the two relate and what action can the property and construction sector take.
Specifically, we’ll cover:
steps being taken by the construction and property sector to
reduce emissions
lower waste to landfill and
improve resilience to flooding and overheating
upcoming changes to the construction of commercial buildings
energy efficiency assessments of office buildings
the introduction of climate related financial disclosures
financial incentives offered by banks to those building to independent certification standards.
There will be a presentation from Andrew and then a panel discussion with others leading on this agenda. We look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you Canyon Brewing for hosting! Food and drinks available for purchase.
Tickets $5 (+ booking fees from Humanitix)
Better Building presents: Andrew Eagles in Wānaka
BETTER BUILDING PRESENTS: ANDREW EAGLES
When: 11 July @ 5pm
Where: Ground Up Brewing @ 4 Gordon Road, Wānaka 9305
What: CEO of the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) Andrew Eagles is coming to Wānaka!
Andrew joined the New Zealand Green Building Council in September 2016 as Chief Executive. The NZGBC is the country’s leading not-for-profit for the sustainable built environment. As well as exemplary research, the NZGBC oversees Homestar and Green Star the award winning certifications for New Zealand homes and buildings, and NABERSNZ, the tool for confirming performance of offices in use.
Recently, the Queenstown Lakes District Council launched its climate action plan including the goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44% by 2030.
Across Aotearoa New Zealand, the built environment contributes 20% of our emissions.
So, how do the two relate and what action can the property and construction sector take.
Specifically, we’ll cover:
steps being taken by the construction and property sector to
reduce emissions
lower waste to landfill and
improve resilience to flooding and overheating
upcoming changes to the construction of commercial buildings
energy efficiency assessments of office buildings
the introduction of climate related financial disclosures
financial incentives offered by banks to those building to independent certification standards.
There will be a presentation from Andrew and then a panel discussion with others leading on this agenda. We look forward to seeing you there.
Thank you Ground Up Brewing for hosting! Food and drinks available for purchase.
Tickets $5 (+ booking fees from Humanitix)
Frame and Foster: James Griffin
FRAME AND FOSTER - Session #1
When: June 26th @ 5pm
Where: Dunlop Builders, Wanaka @ 13 Venture Crescent, Wānaka 9305
What: James Griffin: General Manager at Sustainable Business Network will be presenting virtually. James leads SBN’s work to accelerate the circular economy in New Zealand and will be sharing the work in the building sector around integrated design, product stewardship and associated reverse logistics.
Nibbles, refreshments and a short presentation from Dunlop Builders beforehand.
Join us at "Frame and Foster," where we focus on advancing the circular economy within the New Zealand building industry.
Run by the Wao Better Building Group, Frame and Foster events bring together forward-thinking professionals passionate about creating sustainable and resilient building practices.
Whether you are an architect, engineer, contractor, or developer, "Frame and Foster" is the perfect platform to share your insights, learn from others, and build connections that will drive positive change in our industry. Join the conversation, be inspired, and contribute to a collective effort to redefine the way we build.
Come and be a part of "Frame and Foster," where together, we can build a sustainable future for New Zealand.
Tickets $5 (+ booking fees from Humanitix)
Wao Film Festival Queenstown
We are bringing our Film Festival to Queenstown. This year’s lineup of films ranges from a deep dive into the micro beauty of life on this planet to addressing some of the biggest issues we’re facing.
June Green Drinks
Wao Green Drinks is proud to present an insightful discussion on "Housing for the Future - What Will our Community look like in 2050?"
Wao Online Film Festival
This year’s lineup of films ranges from a deep dive into the micro beauty of life on this planet to addressing some of the biggest issues we’re facing.
Wao Film Festival
The Wao Film Festival!
When: 9 - 12 May
Where: Wānaka Community Hub, 34 McDougall Street, Wānaka 9305
Welcome to a transformative experience that goes beyond entertainment.
Our mission is to inspire action through the power of storytelling. Join us in exploring groundbreaking stories that ignite passion, spark conversations, and drive actionable change towards a more sustainable and regenerative future.
Featuring over 25 films and short documentaries, our aim with the festival is to empower and inspire you to take action in your lives, communities and organisations.
Join us for one film or many, with ticketing options to suit everyone. Online only tickets are also available.
April Green Drinks
Join us or another Green Drinks and find out about what local businesses have been up to in the B Corp field.
Autumn Harvest Festival
Autumn Harvest Festival unfolds over two days on March 16 & 17 at the Luggate Memorial Hall. The Hall will be transformed into a food lover's paradise, celebrating the bounty of local producers.
How to Run a Sustainable Event Workshop - Queenstown
In partnership with QLDC, Wastebusters and EAS, we are hosting two FREE workshops on How to Run a Sustainable Event. Come with your team!
How to Run a Sustainable Event Workshop - Wānaka
In partnership with QLDC, Wastebusters and EAS, we are hosting two FREE workshops on How to Run a Sustainable Event. Come with your team!
Better Building Brekkie
Come get a free BBQ breakfast, and don’t forget to bring your own coffee cup!
Learn how easy it is to REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE materials on site. Become part of the solution towards zero waste. Join us for an early breakfast at Placemakers and bring your building team mates!
Check out the poster HERE!
Wao Summit 2023
Celebrating six years of action and education, our six-day Wao Summit is a 360 degree approach to creating and fostering tangible, social and environmental change at every level.
Biketober 2023
For all ages and the whole community, Biketober is about getting on your bike, giving it a go and sharing your love for cycling.
August Green Drinks
Join us for another Wao Green Drinks. This Green Drinks topic will be Civics 101: Your Voice
The event will be held at The Albie Tavern* located at 20 Alison Ave, Albert Town between 5:00-7pm.
Speakers will include:
Cody Tucker - Queenstown-Lakes District councillor
Ethan Reille - An 18 year old national level political candidate running in the upcoming elections.
Kathy Dedo - Professional director, community champion, and civics enthusiast. Kathy is the Deputy Chair of the Central Lakes Trust and former Co-Manager of Community Networks/LINK.
Join us to learn about the basics of the New Zealand political system, how you can get involved and how to vote in the upcoming elections.
Who is this for:
Anyone who has never voted and would like to find out more.
Anyone who might need a refresher on what our voting system is.
Anyone new to New Zealand who would like to understand how our voting system works.
We will also launch the much anticipated Wao Summit 2023 program - an occasion to celebrate together!
Free event, but limited space. Please book your free ticket using the button below.
*Note that the venue has changed. We are no longer hosting the event at Federal Diner.
Matariki by Kahu Youth
Come down to the Dinosaur Park to visit Wao at the Kahu Youth Matariki, the Māori New Year!
This year’s celebration is a great whānau event and is sure to warm a cold winter’s night! Spectators will be able to enjoy whakangahau (performances), hangi and fun, free activities that represent Te Kāhui o Matariki (star cluster). More info visit kahuyouth.org/kahu-youth-events/
Wao is also hosting a morning lakefront beach cleanup from 10:30am. Meet us there at the Dinosaur Park with weather appropriate clothing and gloves if you have them!
June Green Drinks
Join us for another Wao Green Drinks hosted by Wānaka’s very own Ground Up Brewing. This Green Drinks topic will be: Green Energy
Where: Ground Up Brewing @ 4 Gordon Rd, Wānaka
When: June 30th @ 5:00pm
What: We'll be exploring how non-fossil fuel energy can be found in different sources, industries or uses and how we can use them and why we should use them. Following three short presentations Ground Up Brewing will be putting on a related pub quiz with the chance to win some prizes!
Who: We'll have speakers from H.W.Richardsons, New Zealand's largest transport company, that has introduced the first hydrogen-diesel dual-fuel truck in the Southern Hemisphere as well as representatives from Wanaka Solar talking about solar energy. Forest Lodge Orchard, "the world's first 100% electric, zero fossil fuel orchard", based just out of Cromwell will also provide a remote presentation.
UN Youth Summit
The UN Youth Summit brings together students from throughout Central Otago and the Southern Lakes Districts. Run in partnership with UN Youth NZ, the forum provides leadership opportunities and partnership skills for high school students.
Wao Film Festival
Wao is launching a new film festival in Wanaka, screening 18-21 May 2023. Book tickets and view our program now!
March Green Drinks
Future proof - building our region’s food resilience
Wao and the Wānaka Festival of Colour are teaming up to bring you our next Green Drinks: future proof - building our region’s food resilience
In the light of recent events up North, and other disruption events happening in our periphery, like the war in Ukraine, it becomes more apparent to all how important it is we look at our food system and identify ways to make it more resilient.
Wao is currently undertaking a research project on local food resilience and we invite the community to gain insight on this project with lead researcher Julia Blackford, in a brief but impactful session.
We would all like a food system that can be prepared for, withstand, and recover from disruptions and changes in a way which enables sufficient supply of food for all. How can we understand where our biggest risks and opportunities in the Queenstown Lakes District lie, so we can address these and move towards a more resilient food future?
Who is this for: anyone in our community interested in
who our local food stakeholders are
how we feed ourselves as a community
how to keep feeding ourselves when natural disaster, political unrest, supply chain interruption or disruption to the energy systems occur.
what the current situation is
why we need to setup a Local Food Network group
Join us from 4.45 to 6pm on Wednesday 29 March to understand the current local food system and see why it needs improvement.
The Wānaka Festival of Colour bar will be open briefly between 4.45-5pm for you to grab a drink and a snack before the talk.
The event will come to a close at 6pm sharp, so the Wānaka Festival of Colour can prepare for their next show that night!
Don’t miss out, tickets are FREE but limited in numbers, so register your interest now here.
See you at Armstrong Room, Lake Wanaka Center on the 29th!
Wānaka Autumn Harvest Long Lunch
As part of Local Food Month, join us for a Long Lunch at The Venue, Wānaka on Sunday 26th March 2023 from 12pm - 3pm. The Harvest Long Lunch is a day that celebrates locally harvested food and our regional artisan growers. The hero will be locally rescued food in a showcase of harvest abundance. All food will be locally-donated by KiwiHarvest and the Wānaka community, and will be transformed into a delicious, multi-course lunch suitable for the whole family, professionally prepared by our top local chefs.
Korero: Join the teams behind Kiwi Harvest, Grow Wānaka, Food for Love and Love Food Hate Waste, and enjoy food focused conversations with our local food champions about food resilience and the importance of eating locally.
Swap a harvest gift: Bring one small 'harvest item' you have harvested or produced eg. jar of jam, jar of pickle, one small pumpkin, 4 apples, to be added to the 'Harvest swap table. You can then pick something from this table as a swap at the end of the day!
Silent auction: Take part in our silent auction on the day! Items will celebrate Harvest and our local producers and sustainability heroes. Proceeds to go towards Kiwi Harvest, Food for Love, Grow Wānaka and Wao.
Live music: By Julian Temple from Dunedin.
We thank our wonderful volunteers and our generous sponsors without whom this event would not be possible: QLDC, Love Food Hate Waste, Freshlink, The Venue, Chef Alvaro Briones from Crowne Plaza, B.Effect Brewing, Revology, Crowne Plaza Queenstown, Raspberry Creek Food & Co, Frog Song Farm, Served Hospitality.
Be part of an afternoon that celebrates the producers and the bounties of our region in fun event suitable for the whole family.
Tickets Include: Three Course Meal - BYO plate, cutlery and drinking vessel.
Tickets can be purchased at Humanitix:
Adults - $55 + booking fees (BF)
Kids under 10 - $20 + BF (maximum 2 children per paying adult)
Local wine and beer and non alcoholic beverages available for purchase on the day.
Profits from this event go to KiwiHarvest, Wānaka's Food For Love, Grow Wānaka and Wao.
If you have a surplus of produce (vegetables, fruit, greens, herbs, etc), please let us know, our chef would love to use it for this feast, just fill out the form below under ‘Donate Food’. We would need to receive it on Thursday 23rd in the afternoon. Thank you!