Latest News & Resources
Better Building in New Zealand: A Matter of Public Health and Sustainability
New Zealand has some of the lowest building standards in the OECD. Our insulation standards are half or even less of the levels required in Australia, Ireland, or the UK. The issue: poorer health outcomes for kiwis, increasing the costs on our health systems, and home energy bills at unacceptably high levels.
Running a Waste-Free Wao Summit: Sustainable Practices in Action
Our waste-free and emissions-conscious approach to running Wao Summit is an example of how small, mindful changes can make a big impact. By thinking sustainably in everything from catering to decor, we hope to inspire others to take these practices into their own lives and businesses. Together, we can make a difference—one waste-free event at a time.
Global Expertise in Our Backyard: Wao Summit’s Climate & Biodiversity Day
Wanaka is set to host some of the most inspiring global and local voices at the Wao Summit’s Climate and Biodiversity Day, bringing international expertise to our doorstep. This year’s event will feature an array of thought-provoking discussions, with experts exploring the challenges and solutions we face in the age of climate crisis.
Our Shifting World; A Focus On Migration
Our global population is on the rise. According to the UN, we could hit nearly 10.4 billion by the mid-2080s. And, as the population rises, so too does the number of people moving from where they were born.
Purpose-driven business, the new normal, get used to it.
Purpose-driven business is not merely about corporate social responsibility or ticking boxes to appease a concerned public. It's about fundamentally rethinking how businesses operate, creating value that extends beyond shareholders to encompass the wider community and environment. This shift isn't optional; it's essential for long-term success.
Addressing emotional impacts of climate uncertainty.
For the first time this year, Wao Summit will be hosting a Climate Cafe specifically tailored to ease climate anxiety and openly discuss the emotional impacts for climate uncertainty.
Pioneering sustainable construction.
Construction & Demolition waste accounts for about 50% of all waste in New Zealand, most homes in our country generate about 5x too much carbon, and we have concerns over heating, cooling and dampness in our builds.
On a mission to build food resilience.
Our region would need one Hercules aircraft to land every 21 minutes full of food to provision those in the district in case of a major event cutting road access. That is a worrying thought.
The undercover incubator for climate change solutions.
Adaptation and Resilience: The undercover incubator for climate change solutions in the Southern Lakes
Monique Kelly on More FM
Monique Kelly, Program Director for the Wao Summit, spoke with Joel on the Breakfast Show for More FM about the upcoming Wao Summit 2022 in October.
Wao Climate Action Initiative x Te Kura O Take Kārara
Daryl Gellatly, Associate Principal for Te Kura O Take Kārara Primary School, featured on Radio Wānaka to discuss the Wao Climate Action Initiative (CAI).
Wao Climate Action Initiative x Dr. Carly Green
Dr. Carly Green, Wao trustee and Programme Director of the Wao Climate Action Initiative, featured on Radio Wānaka to discuss the programme.
Wao Climate Action Initiative x Check In Queenstown
Karmela Rapata, Check In Queenstown, featured on Radio Wānaka to discuss the Wao Climate Action Initiative (CAI).
Wao Climate Action Initiative x Kinloch Lodge
John Glover, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, featured on Radio Wānaka to discuss the Wao Climate Action Initiative (CAI). John participated in the 2021/2022 CAI programme, and has been incredibly active.
Wao Climate Action Initiative x Wānaka Primary
Wendy Bamford, principal for Wānaka Primary School, featured on Radio Wānaka to discuss the Wao Climate Action Initiative (CAI).
Wao Climate Action Initiative x Wānaka Lavender Farm
Stef Zeestraten, Wānaka Lavender Farm, featured on Radio Wānaka to discuss the Wao Climate Action Initiative (CAI). Stef participated in a CAI workshop in 2021 as part of the Wao Summit.
Radio Wānaka: Wao Climate Action Initiative x Wild Wire
Laurel Morrison, owner at Wild Wire Wanaka, featured on Radio Wānaka to discuss the Wao Climate Action Initiative.
Radio Wānaka: Natalie Norman - Buy Less, Buy Better
Natalie Norman, Head of technical design and production at Mons Royale, featured on Radio Wānaka to discuss what is the circular economy, what are the changes that need to be making in the apparel industry and how we can be helping the climate crisis.
Understand how you and your business are impacting climate change, and what you can do about it
Whether you own a business, are a farmer, a builder, or want to understand how you can create change at the individual level, there are tools for measuring what your impact is, identifying ways to reduce, and working with others to get our emissions down. Confused about what even a carbon footprint is? The workshops are led by IPCC Lead Author, and Hāwea local, Dr. Carly Green, who breaks down the science, allowing you to understand what it all means and how it affects you.
The future of farming: moving beyond policy and into action
As biodiversity declines and freshwater sources continue to show high levels of pollution globally, the world is starting to look at different models for food production. The food and fibre sector in New Zealand is rising to this challenge and starting to take action on how to buck the trend.