Free Webinar Series Tackles Waste, Resilience and the Future of Construction
The Southern Lakes building sector is being invited to rethink the way we design and build, with the launch of two free industry webinars as part of the new six-part training series, This Is How We Build.
Led by Wao Aotearoa’s Better Building Working Group (BBWG), the series has been created to support the region’s transition toward smarter, healthier, lower-waste and more resilient building practices — from early planning through to end-of-life deconstruction.
The initiative comes at a critical time for the Queenstown Lakes District, where construction and demolition waste now accounts for approximately 34% of all waste sent to landfill — equating to around 309 tonnes every week.
“This region is growing rapidly, and the choices we make now will shape the homes, buildings and communities we leave behind for generations,” says Olivia Bonifant from the Better Building Working Group. “This series is about moving beyond awareness and into practical implementation across the whole building ecosystem.”
The This Is How We Build programme combines short films, live webinars, tools, resources and industry events designed to help architects, builders, designers, developers, suppliers, councils and clients work together toward a more circular and climate-resilient building sector.
The next two free webinars in the series focus on key pressure points within the building process:
Pre-Planning & Materials Selection Live Webinar
Thursday 9 June, 12-1pm
Focusing on the decisions made before construction even begins, this webinar dives into how thoughtful material selection, planning and procurement can drive better building and significantly reduce waste, emissions and long-term operational costs.
Integrated Design Live Webinar
Thursday 18 June, 12-1pmThis session will explore how early collaboration between architects, designers, consultants, builders and clients can improve building performance, reduce waste, and avoid costly redesigns later in the process.
Click here for free registration.
The broader training series was developed through the Better Building Working Group, established following the 2018 Wao Summit. The group brings together architects, tradies, developers, suppliers, mental health experts and sustainability leaders working toward a shared vision of naturally healthy, long-lasting and affordable buildings within a circular economy.
Wao says the goal is not just to inspire conversation, but to equip the sector with practical tools and pathways for implementation.
“This is about creating real-world change across the industry — reducing waste, improving resilience, lowering long-term costs, and ultimately building better communities.”
The This Is How We Build series is proudly supported by Queenstown Lakes District Council through its Zero Waste District Programme and Waste Minimisation initiatives, alongside the many contributors and partners involved in the Better Building Working Group.
The webinars are free to attend and open to anyone involved in the building and construction sector.
For more information and to register: