Wānaka has long been renowned as a place of learning.
Day One of Wao Summit 2026 invites us to reconnect with the meaning of place by stepping back to see the bigger picture.
Featuring an exceptional line up of leading academics, researchers and thought leaders, the day explores the interconnected systems that shape our world through the lenses of climate, health, systems thinking, nature, resources and democracy. Challenging assumptions and expanding perspectives, this is the event you never knew you needed, offering the knowledge, context and inspiration to better understand an increasingly complex world and our place within it.
Read more about the Te Taiao Day in this blog post by Monique Kelly, Trustee & General Manager at Wao.
DAY PROGRAMME
Tuesday 27 October 2026
9:30AM: Morning Tea & Coffee
10:00AM: Welcome with Monique Kelly
10:15AM: The Environmental Costs of our Choices
10:30AM: Systems not Silos
11:15AM: The Planet is Running a Fever
12:00PM: Te Taiao Lunch
1:00PM: Beyond Climate
1:45PM: Investing in Nature
2:30PM: Afternoon Tea
3:00PM: Critical Minerals: At What Cost?
3:45PM: The Afterlife of Plastics
5:30PM: Once Were Farmers Photography Exhibition & Green Drinks
6:30PM: Evening Kōrero - The Election Conversation (separate Kōrero ticket required. SOLD OUT - join the waitlist to be notified of availability).
Schedule subject to change, any updates will be communicated here and to ticket holders.
SESSION DETAILS - CLICK ON A SESSION FOR FULL DETAILS
