Leading the Charge for Systems Change in 2025.
Wao Aotearoa is gearing up for a transformative 2025. With bold new initiatives across food resilience, climate action, and waste minimisation, we are driving lasting change by “shifting the system” transforming the way our community grows, builds, and thrives.
What Does It Mean to Shift the System?
Shifting systems means addressing the root causes of major challenges rather than just treating the symptoms. It’s about redesigning the way we work, live, and grow to ensure long-term sustainability for our environment, economy, and community. At Wao, we are working to change the systems that drive waste, food insecurity, and climate inaction, replacing them with sustainable, equitable, and resilient alternatives.
“Being a systems shifter means becoming part of the solution,” says Monique Kelly, Wao General Manager. “It’s about reimagining how we live, ensuring the beauty and resources of our region endure for generations. This is our core mission at Wao.”
Over the past year, we have sharpened its focus and strategy to accelerate systems shift at scale, with efforts driven by two key clusters:
Food Resilience Project
Phase One & Two, led by Trustee Julia Blackford, delivered a comprehensive overview of the district’s current food system and its challenges and identified the next steps for our region.
The 2023 Food Resilience Report now serves as the foundation for work in 2024–25, aiming to boost food security across the region.
Announced the formation of Southern Lakes Kai Collective to support local communities with sustainable food solutions.
Circular Economy Project
Strengthened our impact in the building sector, with facilitation by Aaron Thule.
Launched the “This is How We Build” film, highlighting sustainable building practices.
Partnered with Environmental Accounting Services (EAS) and Central Lakes Trust to deliver the Climate Action Initiative (CAI), engaging 12 social enterprises and not-for-profits in climate education and action.
Expanding Economic Systems
At the Wao Summit in October, we convened funders, businesses, organisations and the community to reimagine systems for climate and biodiversity action and our future. Record attendance demonstrates the importance of this event as the incubator of ideas and the catalyst for action, sparking ripples of systems change that drive transformative progress across our region
Community Events and Milestones
Harvest Festival: The year began with a two day Harvest Festival at The Luggate Hall.
Green Drinks: A successful series of full-house evening sessions covering a range of topics and fostering meaningful community connections.
Community Engagement: Events like the Our Place tent at the A&P Show and Matariki celebrations allowed Wao to connect with families and younger audiences. GenWao programmes and participation in Real NZ’s induction day further extended outreach.
Film Festival: The second Wao Film Festival at the Community Hub inspired attendees through a lineup of impactful films, emphasising their role as catalysts for changing mindsets. The success of the festival led to the event being rolled out in Queenstown also.
Expanding on 2024 Successes: In 2025, we plan to take these efforts even further with exciting new initiatives, including:
Empowering Youth - providing leadership and learning opportunities to our tamariki and rangatahi to thrive into the future.
Scaling Our Climate Action Initiative (CAI) – Delivering more workshops and youth programs to equip and inspire the next generation of climate leaders.
Mobilising the Southern Lakes Kai Collective – Strengthening food resilience across our region, so that our food system can withstand any shock that comes our way.
Expanding the Better Building Working Group (BBWG) – Hosting workshops and events that address critical construction industry issues, a sector central to our economy and environmental impact.
Launching a New Circular Economy Workstream – Establishing a Waste-Free Events Coordinator role to lead the way in sustainable, low-impact events.
How You Can Help: Join the Movement
We cannot achieve this vision alone. We’ve has launched our “Systems Shifters” donation drive, inviting community members and supporters across the region to join a movement that creates lasting impact.
The Systems Shifters donation drive invites everyone to play a role in creating a more resilient future.
1. One-Time Donation – Any amount makes a difference. Visit wao.co.nz to make a one-time gift today.
2. Monthly Giving – For as little as $5 a month, become a Systems Shifter. Regular donors provide the stability we need to plan and execute impactful, long-term projects.
“Your donation isn’t just financial support—it’s a vote of confidence in a better future,” says Monique Kelly. “Every contribution allows us to tackle the systems that matter most and create measurable, meaningful change.”
To learn more about our initiatives and to become a Systems Shifter, visit www.wao.co.nz/donate
Systems shifters don’t just respond to challenges—they redesign the way we solve them. Join us as we transform the way our community grows, builds, and thrives.