Wao Green Drinks Recorded Session: Resilience Response with Nathan Surendran
Fuel prices are rising, supply chains are tightening, and inflation continues to bite. The global ripple effects of the Iran conflict are already being felt here in Aotearoa, exposing the vulnerability of our fuel, food, and climate systems and what that means for households, businesses, and our wider community.
As part of our new coordinated, community-led response to the current global disruption, Wao Aotearoa held our first Resilience Response Green Drinks, with professional engineer and energy consultant Nathan Surendran joining us via zoom from Southland.
Over 80 people registered to hear Nathan unpack global developments, what it could mean for New Zealand in the coming months, and most importantly how communities like ours can respond with clarity and confidence. Nathan did an exceptional job communicating the stark and confronting reality around our current energy challenges.
It’s not an easy topic to deliver, but he managed to strike a thoughtful balance, grounding the audience in the seriousness of the situation while weaving in moments of lightness and relatability that kept everyone engaged. What stood out most was Nathan’s ability to make complex, and at times overwhelming, issues feel accessible and actionable. The clarity and honesty of his message sparked meaningful reflection and conversation among both our team and the wider community.
We’ve already heard positive feedback from attendees who found the session both eye-opening and motivating. That kind of impact is incredibly valuable, and we’re confident it will act as a catalyst for change in how people think about resilience and their role within it. Nathan has authored several recent white papers, linked below, that he suggests reviewing in advance, and encourages attendees to consider drafting their own submissions:
Nathan features across national media on a daily basis. This event was about readiness. And a chance to explore practical ways to build resilience. From how we think about energy and transport, to strengthening local food systems and community connection, join fellow community members for a chance to step out of the noise, understand the bigger picture, and focus on what we can actually do. Resilience starts with understanding and grows through community.
This event is part of a broader Resilience Response initiative. Wao is stepping into its role as a community catalyst helping our region understand what’s coming, prepare practically, and build long-term resilience against ongoing global disruption.
Want more? Visit our dedicated section on Resilence on our website: www.wao.co.nz/resilience-response