Latest News & Resources
Wao Podcast: The three pillars to sustainable housing with Arthur Lee.
Arthur Lee is doing excellent work in the realm of sustainable housing, focusing on energy efficiency, the social impacts and affordability. His approach is not just about using renewable energy but reducing the energy demand altogether, which he believes is the best kind of energy saving.
Rewriting the Rules: Kate Meyer and the Planetary Accounting Network
As the planet pushes beyond its safe boundaries, New Zealander Kate Meyer is leading a movement to bring humanity back within them. Through the Planetary Accounting Network, she’s turning global science into practical tools that help businesses, designers, and communities measure and truly live within Earth’s limits.
Wao Podcast: High performance homes accessible to all with Matthew Cutler-Welsh.
If you’re contemplating building or renovating a home right now, this is a podcast episode for you.
Matthew Cutler-Welsh is a passionate advocate for sustainable building practices, working tirelessly to improve the health and efficiency of homes in New Zealand.
Your Guide to Wao Summit in Queenstown
Wao Summit 2025 is bringing a week of inspiring events, workshops, tours, and kōrero to Queenstown. From landfill visits to breakfast sessions and walking tours, it’s your chance to connect with others, learn practical solutions, and see how our district is building a resilient future.
Partner Spotlight: Think Solar
At Wao, we believe better communities are built on connection, when locals open their doors, share their stories, and show what’s possible when we act together. That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with Think Solar as sponsor of our Community Walking Tours.
Design and Build for Communities in 2125
In a time of rising material costs, shifting regulations, and a climate that is already changing, the way we design and construct buildings has never mattered more. Every choice shapes not only how our communities live, work, and thrive but also how our environment recovers and endures.
Shaping a Future Where Everyone Thrives
The opening night of the Wao Summit on 28th October is where our mission comes alive. Jpin us at Rippon Hall, surrounded by community, kai, and kōrero, as we gather to ask the essential question: what does a thriving Aotearoa look like in 2125 — and how do we start shaping it now?
First Timer’s Guide to the Wao Summit
Welcome to your first Wao Summit! Whether you’re here to explore sustainability, learn how to improve your business, or engage with community resilience, this guide will help you navigate key events and make the most of your experience. This blog is a day-by-day, class-by-class breakdown, highlighting must-attend sessions for first-time attendees
First Timer’s Guide to the Wao Summit 2024
Welcome to your first Wao Summit! Whether you’re here to explore sustainability, learn how to improve your business, or engage with community resilience, this guide will help you navigate key events and make the most of your experience. This blog is a day-by-day, class-by-class breakdown, highlighting must-attend sessions for first-time attendees
Better Building in New Zealand: A Matter of Public Health and Sustainability
New Zealand has some of the lowest building standards in the OECD. Our insulation standards are half or even less of the levels required in Australia, Ireland, or the UK. The issue: poorer health outcomes for kiwis, increasing the costs on our health systems, and home energy bills at unacceptably high levels.
Pioneering sustainable construction.
Construction & Demolition waste accounts for about 50% of all waste in New Zealand, most homes in our country generate about 5x too much carbon, and we have concerns over heating, cooling and dampness in our builds.