Opening Night of Wao Summit 2025

At Wao, our vision is simple yet bold: an Aotearoa where communities flourish in balance with te taiao, living within a thriving, diverse, and regenerative ecosystem. We know that to get there, we can’t go it alone. That’s why our mission is to accelerate systems change by bringing people together and activating them to drive transformative action.

The opening night of the Wao Summit on Tuesday October 28 is where this mission comes alive. Our Journey to 2125 is more than just a conversation - it’s the hero event that sets the tone for the week ahead. At Rippon Hall, surrounded by community, kai, and kōrero, we gather to ask the essential question: what does a thriving Aotearoa look like in 2125 - and how do we start shaping it now?

Why Equity Matters for the Future

A regenerative future means nothing if it isn’t fair, inclusive, and just. This kōrero digs deep into:

• Intergenerational responsibility - leaving behind a liveable planet for those who come after us.
• Social and economic disparity - tackling the unequal impacts of climate change and the rising cost of living.
• Shared decision-making - shaping systems where no one is left behind.

This is about more than ideas. It’s about creating blueprints for action that communities can adapt and scale - here in Wānaka and across Aotearoa.

The opening night of the Wao Summit on October 28 is where this mission comes alive

The Speakers Guiding the Way

This year’s panel brings together three voices who embody the courage, knowledge, and energy needed to shape what’s next:

• Sam Gibson (Sam the Trap Man) – Fresh from two sold-out 'Think Like a Forest' film nights, Sam’s raw honesty and deep connection to nature inspire followers worldwide.
• Professor Sara Walton – A leader in sustainable business at the University of Otago, Sara challenges us to reimagine how equity and regeneration must sit at the core of how we work, trade, and grow.
• Mawera Karetai – A powerful advocate for indigenous knowledge and community resilience, Mawera brings wisdom on inclusion, partnership, and building systems that honour both people and place.

Together, they’ll explore how we activate systems change - not in theory, but in practice - and how we shape a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Be Part of the Movement

This night is more than a kōrero. It’s about courage, connection, and momentum. Expect bold ideas, practical tools, and shared action that ripple into the rest of the summit - and beyond.

Tuesday October 28, 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Rippon Hall, Wānaka

Enjoy Platters & local beverages

Tickets sell out every year — secure yours now - Get your tickets here

Join us as we open the Wao Summit 2025 and take the first step toward a fairer, regenerative Aotearoa.