Wao Event Guide
Wao Event Guide
As well as our annual week-long Wao Summit, we organise a multitude of events aimed at spreading a ripple of action and awareness.
Scroll down to our event guide to find links to all of our upcoming events.
Event Guide
There are plenty of events on the horizon. Browse our event calendar to find the right one for you, or sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know about upcoming events and workshops.
Where possible, please come on foot, by bike, by skateboard or carpool!
Wao Summit
The Summit is our annual flagship event, the biggest week of Climate Action in New Zealand.
WAO Summit 2024 is set to bring deeper meaning and purpose to business and everyday life. Our workshops and masterclass sessions will set you on a pathway to action, helping you lead with purpose, and be part of the transformation towards a thriving future. The time for action is now.
Be better. Better together.
Held 29 Oct - 2 Nov 2024 in Wānaka and Queenstown.
Green Drinks
Wao hosts Green Drinks throughout the year. They are an opportunity for the community to connect with both important sustainability topics and also each other.
Green Drinks are open to everybody so bring a friend, grab your tickets and let's dive into a topic.
The details of each Green Drinks is announced a few weeks prior to each event - sign up for our Newsletter (below) to be the first to find out about all our events!
Wao Film Nights
After two successful film festivals in 2023 and 2024, Wao is continuing to use the power of film to reshape our understanding of environmental sustainability and spark meaningful action with Wao Film Nights. Throughout the year, we host curated film nights at Cinema Paradiso—sometimes featuring just a film, and other times, pairing it with insights from expert speakers. You're guaranteed to leave inspired and ready to make a difference!
Better Building Banter
In 2024, Wao started hosting BBBanter, a series of events dedicated to the construction sector.
Whether you’re a builder, an architect, or plan to build a house, these events are for you. Find out about building & sustainability and meet other members of this dynamic community.
Open to all, just book your tickets and be part of the change!
Biketober
Every year from 1–31 October
A month filled with bike-related events and activities across Wānaka, Queenstown and Arrowtown.
Wānaka Autumn Harvest Festival
March 2025
Wao has been honoring our local producers and seasonal harvest for four years. In 2024, we introduced our first two-day Harvest Festival, showcasing a Harvest Market, workshops on food growing, preserving, and cooking, along with the Harvest Long Lunch. Additionally, the renowned Apple Drive organized by the Local Food Wānaka group took place over the weekend. Stay informed about our 2025 events by signing up for our newsletter!
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 Otago, the forum provides leadership opportunities and partnership skills for high school students.
In 2024, the event was held in June in Wanaka.
Want to get involved, or have questions about an upcoming UN Youth Summit?
Volunteer at Wao
Become part of a community fuelled by passion and led by purpose. Register to join our group of passionate volunteers that run events year round.