Wao Summit Event Programme


Festival of Nature
Nov
2

Festival of Nature

Join us for a vibrant celebration connecting everyone to nature through a diverse array of experiences. Enjoy the Symphony of Nature: 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.

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Guided tour of Namaste Park and Gardens
Nov
2

Guided tour of Namaste Park and Gardens

Explore 2.5 hectares on the outskirts of Wānaka, featuring regenerating land with a developing 600-tree arboretum, and extensive ornamental and edible gardens maintained in harmony with nature. This carbon-positive household boasts solar panels, locally sourced food, and electric equipment.

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Sustainable Periods
Nov
1

Sustainable Periods

Join Sofia and Charlotte for a hands-on workshop exploring eco-friendly menstrual practices, sustainable period products, and the holistic 'Inner Seasons' approach to menstrual cycles. Learn to reduce waste, manage energy, and improve wellbeing for yourself and the planet.

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The State of Our Climate
Nov
1

The State of Our Climate

Join Dr. Greg Bodeker for a kōrero on the intersection of growth limits and the climate crisis. He will explore the impacts of a neoliberal capitalist economy and discuss alternative pathways for systemic, sustainable change.

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Insights from Te Tapu o Tāne
Nov
1

Insights from Te Tapu o Tāne

Jana Davis, Pou Turaka (CEO) of Te Tapu o Tāne leads a kōrero on the organisation's work to strengthen community engagement and foster lasting relationships with the land. Te Tapu o Tāne, founded by Te Ao Māori and Mana Whenua, is a native nursery and climate action hub offering reforestation, landscaping, and project management services.

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Better Building Day - Queenstown
Nov
1

Better Building Day - Queenstown

Wao Summit offers a full day programme for building industry professionals that focuses on innovative approaches to sustainable construction and design. Attendees will gain insights into the latest developments and technologies for better building, network with leaders in the field, and learn how to integrate these practices into their projects, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future. The south island event for the building sector.

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Own Your Health
Oct
31

Own Your Health

Dr. David Beaumont introduces a new healthcare model centered on empowering individuals as experts in their own health, fostering healing and addressing chronic conditions more effectively.

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Better Building Day - Luggate & Wānaka
Oct
31

Better Building Day - Luggate & Wānaka

Wao Summit offers a full day programme for building industry professionals that focuses on innovative approaches to sustainable construction and design. Attendees will gain insights into the latest developments and technologies for better building, network with leaders in the field, and learn how to integrate these practices into their projects, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future. The south island event for the building sector.

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Better Business Day - Wānaka
Oct
30

Better Business Day - Wānaka

The WAO Summit offers business owners a unique opportunity to revolutionise their approach to business by learning how to operate with greater purpose and sustainability. Attendees will explore cutting-edge sustainable practices that not only enhance profitability but also contribute positively to the environment and society.

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Future Food Systems - Glendhu Bay, Wānaka
Oct
29

Future Food Systems - Glendhu Bay, Wānaka

An update on the local Queenstown Lakes Food Resilience project, along with a forum to share, learn, and collaborate on food resilience efforts nationwide. This will be followed by a facilitated brainstorming session to explore how we can create a national network for a resilient, people-focused, and environmentally sustainable food system.

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From The Soil Up - Glendhu Bay, Wānaka
Oct
29

From The Soil Up - Glendhu Bay, Wānaka

Session 1 From the Soil Up: Celebrating our local food heroes—ranging from urban and community gardeners to regenerative dairy farmers. This session is focused on those building the soil.

Food resilience at the grassroots level: hear from two local initiatives, the Hawea Food Forest and Grow Wānaka.

Regenerative Agriculture - A Form Of Constructive Activism: Mark Anderson shares his journey realigning his Waiwera dairy farm to work alongside nature.

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