Act Where You Are
Donate.
Support Wao.
Turn concern into climate action.
Across Aotearoa, communities like ours are feeling the impacts of a changing climate. But in the Southern Lakes, we’re not waiting, we’re acting.
At Wao, we accelerate systems change by activating clusters, networks of people, organisations, and communities working together to create impact far greater than any single project or individual could achieve. From food resilience to active transport, from sustainable events education to climate‑smart building, these clusters turn local action into long‑term change.
Every act of support, whether it’s showing up, lending your expertise, giving a one-off gift, or contributing monthly, helps build the foundation for a thriving, low‑emission future across the Southern Lakes and beyond.
Why 100 Years Forward?
The warming stripes show a simple, sobering truth: the past century has been marked by rising temperatures and escalating urgency. But they also remind us of something powerful.
The next century is still unwritten.
By supporting Wao, you’re helping shape that future. Your contribution powers tangible, local solutions that protect people and place, spark innovation, and strengthen community resilience for generations to come.
How You Can Contribute.
One-Time Donation
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Every donation fuels our mission, empowering us to inspire hope and mobilise our community to take meaningful actions toward a resilient future.
Monthly Giving
Join our community of monthly donors committed to creating lasting change. Your consistent support provides us with a stable foundation to plan and execute impactful projects.
What Your Donations Will Achieve.
Your donation helps us deliver community initiatives, education programmes, and collaborative projects that turn vision into action
Youth Leadership — GenWao:
Inspiring and equipping rangatahi to lead circular, regenerative solutions in their communities through climate education, innovation, and hands-on leadership experiences.Food Resilience — Southern Lakes Kai Collective:
Building a circular food system that reduces waste, strengthens local supply chains, and connects people with healthy, sustainable kai.Active Transport — Ride for Change programme:
Shifting mindsets and systems toward low-emission, people-centred mobility that supports both community wellbeing and climate stability.Better Building — Climate-Smart, Circular Communities:
Encouraging regenerative design, material reuse, and efficient energy systems to create affordable, resilient spaces that respect ecological limits.Events That Spark Change — Wao Summit + Year‑Round Events:
Bringing together thinkers, makers, and change makers through the Wao Summit, Harvest Festival, Film Nights and regular Green Drinks events to share knowledge, spark collaboration, and celebrate progress toward a circular future.Read our Annual Report for information of our ongoing impact.
Donate today.
By committing to just $10 a month, you’re joining a community of systems shifters—a force for positive, lasting impact. Your generosity empowers us to keep pushing boundaries and striving for a world where the beauty of our planet is preserved for generations to come.
Thank you for being an integral part of our mission. Together, let’s build a future we can all be proud of.
How do we measure success? Impact.
Our success is measured by impact. Through targeted action streams that drive real change in the sectors that matter most. Every donation you make helps us take purposeful steps toward a more sustainable future.
Our success is measured by local and national impact: strengthened partnerships, activated clusters, community-led action, resilient infrastructure, reduced emissions, and empowered people.
Every donation helps us take purposeful steps towards a thriving and resilient Southern Lakes.
Why do we need you?
As the climate and social challenges facing our region intensify, the demand for Wao’s leadership continues to grow. While we are grateful for support from grants, they alone aren’t enough. Monthly donor support gives us stability, agility, and the ability to catalyse long‑term change.
By committing to even $10 a month, you’re joining a community of systems shifters. People creating impact that will outlast all of us.
Together, we can shape the next 100 years.
