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.
Wao Summit is a big week! So to make is easy for you, we have collated a few tips for first timers:
Plan Your Schedule: There’s so much happening, so pick sessions that align with your interests and goals, or choose speakers who grab your interests.
Engage and Network: The Wao Summit is a great place to meet like-minded individuals. Don’t hesitate to introduce yourself and exchange ideas. Our Green Drinks sessions are relaxed and a great way to ease yourself into a new environment.
Take Notes: Whether in masterclasses or talks, there will be plenty of valuable insights. Jot down key takeaways to revisit later.
Be Open to Learning: Even if a session isn’t directly in your field, you may discover new perspectives that challenge and inspire you.
Below is a day-by-day, class-by-class breakdown, highlighting must-attend sessions for first-time attendees. We also outline more information about the Wao Summit in our FAQ section.
Day 1: People and Kai
Tuesday 29th October
Focus: People and Food
8:00 AM – Opening Ceremony – Glendhu Station Woolshed
Kick off the summit with an energising Opening Ceremony, where we set the tone for the days ahead. This is your chance to meet fellow attendees, hear from Wao leaders, and get inspired for the incredible sessions to come.
12:30 PM – Glendhu Worm Farm – Glendhu Bay, Wānaka
Head outdoors to visit the Glendhu Worm Farm. Learn about innovative composting systems and see how this local farm is transforming organic waste into rich, valuable compost. A great chance to engage with nature and sustainable food practices.
1:30 PM – Future Food Systems – Glendhu Bay, Wānaka
Explore the future of food production in this session focused on sustainable food systems. You’ll learn about the cutting-edge practices that are transforming agriculture and how these systems can help feed a growing global population while building community resilience.
5:30 PM – What Will 2050 Look Like? – Green Drinks at Rippon Hall, Wānaka
End your day with Green Drinks, a relaxed and informal networking event where you’ll hear inspiring insights from leaders discussing what the world might look like in 2050. This is your chance to connect with other attendees and discuss the future of sustainability over drinks at Rippon, a truly beautiful setting.
Day 2: Better Business & Community
Wednesday 30th October
Focus: Let’s do business better, climate impact, and future thinking.
9:00 AM – How to Shift a System: Creating Lasting Change - Lake Wānaka Centre
In this session, you'll discover how to influence system-wide change. Whether you’re looking to make an impact in business, government, or community, this session will equip you with tools to create sustainable, lasting transformation.
9:00 AM – Building Community Resilience: Best Practices from Around the World - Queenstown Session
Join an expert panel to hear inspiring stories and best practices from communities that have successfully built resilience. Whether it's through food systems, disaster preparedness, or social cohesion, you’ll leave with tangible ideas to implement at home and within the community. There is also a Wānaka session on Day 3.
11:30 AM – Cybersecurity in the Economy: Protecting the Digital World - Lake Wanaka Centre
Cyber threats are on the rise, and protecting your digital infrastructure is more critical than ever. This session will give you practical strategies to safeguard your business and understand the risks in today’s digital economy. There is also a session in Queenstown on the 31st October.
Day 3: Community Connection & Wellbeing
Thursday 31st October
Focus: Nature, community, personal wellbeing and resilience.
9:00 AM – Building Community Resilience: Best Practices from Around the World - Wanaka
Join an expert panel to hear inspiring stories and best practices from communities that have successfully built resilience. Whether it's through food systems, disaster preparedness, or social cohesion, you’ll leave with tangible ideas to implement at home.
12:00 PM – Nature Walk with Sam the Trapmanand David Norton - Kidds Bush, Lake Hawea
Experience a fully immersive guided tour of the natural world, offering in-depth insights through the eyes of expert guides Dr. David Norton and Hamiora Gibson. An event not to be missed.
The tour takes place at Kidds Bush, on the northern end of Lake Hāwea.
12:30 PM – Own your health - Lake Wanaka Centre
Our personal health is deeply interconnected with the health of the planet. The food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink all come from the environment around us. Dr. David Beaumont introduces a new healthcare model centred on empowering individuals as experts in their own health, fostering healing and addressing chronic conditions more effectively. Whole person health for the whole planet.
2:00 PM – Feeling Our Way Through Climate Crisis: Lake Wānaka Centre
Whether you are an activist or an educator, a young person or a parent, or simply anyone overwhelmed in the face of ecological crisis, navigating this emotional landscape can be incredibly challenging.
This workshop offers an opportunity to open up to (in order to work through) these difficult emotions.
Day 4: Environmental Connection
Friday 1st October
Focus: Nature, connection and biodiversity.
3:00 PM – State of Our Climate: Global to Local - Lake Wānaka Centre
Get an up-to-date overview of the state of our climate, presented by Dr. Greg Bodeker. You’ll gain an understanding of both the global trends and local impacts, and what’s being done to address the crisis. A vital session for anyone concerned about the future of our planet.
5:00 PM – Mata Au: The River That Flows Through Us - Lake Wānaka Centre
This session offers a deep dive into the cultural and ecological significance of Mata Au (the Clutha River), a lifeblood for the region. You’ll hear from experts and indigenous leaders about its importance and the ongoing efforts to protect it.
Day 5: Community Connection
Saturday 2nd October
Focus: Community
2:00 PM – Festival of Nature: Connecting with Our Environment - Lake Hawea
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. Explore and engage with nature in a fun and immersive environment for all ages. Kids go free!