Latest News & Resources
Building Businesses That Last to 2125
What does it take for a business to survive — and thrive — not just next quarter, but for the next century? That’s the question behind Wao Aotearoa’s Journey to 2125.
Wao Podcast: The important role of tech in driving change with Nick Baty.
Nick talks about the intersection of technology and sustainability. He highlights the importance of considering security in the development of new technologies and systems, ensuring they are not only functional but also protected from unwanted attacks and unintended consequences.
Shaping a Future Where Everyone Thrives
The opening night of the Wao Summit on 28th October is where our mission comes alive. Jpin us at Rippon Hall, surrounded by community, kai, and kōrero, as we gather to ask the essential question: what does a thriving Aotearoa look like in 2125 — and how do we start shaping it now?
Wao Film Night… More than just a sell out crowd.
What a night! Our latest Wao Film Night was a complete sell-out, not just one cinema, but two, with over 160 people filling the seats.
Wao Podcast: Jodie Jarvis on Climate Emotions... and Summit Speaker 2025
Jodie Jarvis is doing important work in the field of climate emotion. At the University of Otago, alongside her PhD supervisor, Dr. Susan Wardell, Jodie has been pioneering workshops that delve into the emotional responses to climate change.
First Timer’s Guide to the Wao Summit
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. This blog is a day-by-day, class-by-class breakdown, highlighting must-attend sessions for first-time attendees
Wao Podcast: Giving people the opportunity to be in nature changes people.
Positive change through action with Sam the Trap Man. This interview highlights the power of individual and community action in driving positive environmental change.
Wao Podcast: If you're going to solve the climate crisis, you have to bring everyone along.
Greg Bodeker is a climate scientist with over 130 papers published in atmospheric and climate science. Greg advocates for progressive policies that reduce inequality, ensuring that the least fortunate are not left behind in the fight against climate change.
Wao Podcast: Nobel Prize winning climate scientist on an intergenerational mission.
Dr Jim Salinger, on getting the Boomers to collaborate with the Zoomers! A conversation on climate science, the challenges it faces, and the importance of intergenerational collaboration in addressing climate change.
Ride for Change: Momentum Builds for Active Transport in the Southern Lakes.
Wao is proud to release the Ride for Change Report, showcasing the incredible impact of our recent campaign to promote active transport and low-emissions travel in the Southern Lakes region.
Wao Podcast: Regenerative farming: ecological integrity over profit.
Zeb Horrell on what happens when you combine the values of growing up on a Southland sheep farm with innovation, regenerative thinking and a focus on sustainability?
Wānaka’s Ride for Change: Students Clock Over 8,400km of Active Travel
Since launching in April, Ride for Change has been picking up serious speed across Wānaka!
Wao Podcast: Can business thrive and do the right thing at the same time?
Alec Tang asking the question, can business thrive and do the right thing at the same time? And what about political uncertainty, short-termism and community?
Wao Podcast: Positive medicine: four pillars of health which can transform your life.
Who ever knew that lifestyle changes can be simple and effective, and actually quite easy to do? Mark talks to Dr David Beaumont on transforming healthcare for your family - and humanity.
Wao Podcast: How to solve a housing crisis, hundreds of homes at a time.
Hint: It doesn't require foreign investment or huge government debt, and the houses are built better, to last longer, and will cost you less to build, buy and rent! Sam Stubbs tells us more in this episode.
Wao Podcast: Grassroots goodness: nourishing the community and empowering people with disabilities.
Janice Lee is an inspiration. This episode how social enterprise helps multiple layers of people, gives training and employment to people with disabilities, and solves social problems all at once.
Wao Podcast: Our shapeshifting population: navigating a positive future
If you are at all interested in how Aotearoa New Zealand is changing and where we are heading, this is an episode with Professor Paul Spoonley is for you.
Wao Podcast: The power of community collaboration: dark skies and fewer predators
Dr Leslie Van Gelder shares her insights on community resilience, conservation efforts, and the importance of hopefulness in challenging times.
Driving Systems Change in the Construction Industry
As 2024 concludes, we reflect on a year of systemic progress and look ahead to ambitious plans by the BBWG for 2025 that will continue to foster deep, structural change.
Leading the Charge for Systems Change in 2025.
Our mission is to shift systems—not just for today, but for the future we envision for the Southern Lakes region and beyond.