Today marks the beginning of six days of talks, workshops and activities to inspire action towards a carbon zero future.

Wanaka-based charitable trust WAO (formerly One Wanaka) is hosting the week-long WAO Reset Summit, which has brought workshops, tours and speakers to Wanaka.

The opening ‘reset conversation’ at the Lake Wānaka Centre at 7pm this evening (Tuesday October 27) will set the scene, co-organiser Arna Craig told the Wanaka App. 

The discussion will address 'where to from here', focusing on decarbonisation of the economy.

Local Dr. Carly Green will join climate scientist James Salinger and others, including Rt Hon Helen Clark in a pre-recorded interview.

“The first session is always a nice start for the week and really inspires people,” Arna said.

Arna Craig

Arna also encouraged locals to attend the carbon workshops on Thursday and Friday. The sessions look at how businesses will be affected by New Zealand's national and international obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

“They are a must for business owners to understand how they can make a difference and reduce the carbon footprint for their business,” Arna said.

Arna said the summit has brought more than 35 speakers and many others to Wanaka, and has also attracted new locals to volunteer their time and expertise.

“It has been amazing to see the talent emerging from the woodwork, including people who may not have expected to have been in Wanaka this year,” she said. “We’re really lucky to have these people on hand.”

The summit is in its third year, and has “got huge”, Arna said. 

WAO was founded by Monique Kelly and Arna in 2018, and has hosted events in both Wanaka and Queenstown to further its mission to educate, inspire and enable New Zealand communities to accelerate towards a carbon zero, regenerative future and beyond.

Find the full programme here.

PHOTOS: Supplied