Better Events.
Greener Gatherings, Brighter Futures.
About Better Events.
The Better Events Collective is a passionate group of event organisers, suppliers, sustainability advocates, and local government representatives working together to reshape how events are run in the Queenstown-Lakes District. Established in February 2025 and facilitated by Wao, the Collective is on a mission to create events that do good for both people and planet. Through collaboration, shared resources, and a commitment to zero waste, the Collective champions innovation and systemic change—empowering the sector to lead by example and create meaningful, lasting impact.
Meet Kelcey.
With over two decades of experience in the events industry, both locally and abroad, Kelcey Radford has recently joined the Wao team as the facilitator for the Better Events Collective.
The Collective will work as a cluster to facilitate and coordinate collective action on waste minimisation and emissions reduction for events in the Queenstown Lakes District. All are welcome. If you are interested in joining the working group, please contact Kelcey.
Our Vision.
An inclusive Queenstown-Lakes District events sector that puts people first and has a positive social impact for all stakeholders.
Events act as catalysts for change by championing innovation, collaboration, circular practices, and zero waste. By building a values-driven ecosystem grounded in shared knowledge and collective action, we lead by example to drive transformation.
Our Mission.
The Better Events Collective aims to drive meaningful change across the events ecosystem by fostering collaboration, advancing advocacy, promoting circular economy practices, and delivering education.
Through shared knowledge, partnerships, and collective action, we support the sector to reduce its impact and create more sustainable, future-focused events.
Shared Asset Registry
One of the easiest ways to reduce waste, save money, and build a more circular, resilient events sector is to make better use of the resources we already have.
The Better Events Collective Shared Asset Registry is a growing catalogue of reusable event resources and infrastructure that members are willing to share or hire. From waste sorting stations and signage to marquees, furniture, and catering equipment, the registry helps connect event and community organisers with existing assets before buying new.
Whether you're looking to borrow, hire, or list an asset your organisation can share, the registry is designed to make resource sharing simple and accessible.
Explore the Shared Asset Registry and discover what's already available across our community. The registry is a work in progress so if you don’t find what you need please contact Kelcey, who may have a solution.
Wao’s role is to maintain visibility of available shared assets as part of our Circular Economy work QLDC. Ownership, lending arrangements, and administration of assets will remain with the asset owners and borrowers and can be established on a case-by-case basis.
To add a resource to the directory please use the this form.
Upcoming events.
Blog.
Speakers.
Regenerative and Resilient.
Events that foster social cohesion, and have a positive impact on environment and community
Circular
Economy.
Foster innovation to support the transition to a zero waste, circular events economy
Partnership and Collaboration.
An inclusive events eco-system voice to accelerate transformative change
Key Partners.
Keen to get involved?
Get in touch to find out more or join the collective: events@wao.co.nz
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