Wao Summit Event Programme

Journey to 2125
Equity at the Heart: Shaping a future for all as we look toward a thriving and regenerative future in 2125, one question sits at the core: how do we ensure that future is fair, inclusive, and just for everyone?

Better Business Day
Unlock a full day of inspiring, actionable sessions exploring how business can be a powerful force for environmental and social regeneration. From the emerging world of biodiversity credits and place-based conservation in the mountains, to emotionally intelligent leadership and future-ready sustainability strategy, you'll gain insights and tools to lead with impact. Whether you're in business, tourism, finance, or governance, this is your invitation to build better—together.

Your Climate Wake-Up Call
The challenges are real—but so is the opportunity. Join leading experts to explore how we can reignite momentum, embed long-term thinking, and centre climate action in every part of life.

Better Building Day
Better Building Day at the Wao Summit is the South Island’s premier event for builders, architects, and industry professionals, showcasing the latest in sustainable construction and design.

Better Building Brekkie
Join us at the Queenstown Airport, Provenance Café for a free Better Builders Brekkie! We’ll hear from the Queenstown airport on some sustainability plans they have moving forward and from QLDC on what’s happening throughout the district in terms of reducing construction waste.

Feeding the Future
A thought-provoking panel exploring local to global strategies for food resilience, based on the Southern Lakes Kai Collective’s new roadmap for sustainable food futures.

Better Communities Weekend
Explore what it means to create regenerative, connected, and resilient communities. This day features a self-guided walking tour, a hands-on climate workshop, a session on working with nature to manage water and reduce risk, among others. Wrap up the day with an inspiring community film night on regeneration and action. A powerful day for anyone who cares about the future we’re building, together.

Mata-Au, the Mighty Clutha
Join Dr. David Norton and Hamiora Gibson (better known as Sam the Trapman), for a kōrero on the vital role of nature-based solutions in enhancing landscape and ecosystem resilience.

This Climate Business
This session explores two key areas of the emissions challenge that businesses urgently need to get their head around - certification and finance.