Wānaka-based climate action organisation Wao Aotearoa will launch or expand a range of initiatives next year - including climate-smart building training modules, expanded food resilience projects and deeper youth involvement - as part of its 2026 strategy.

The new strategy sets Wao’s focus for 2026, aiming to strengthen communities and support long-term climate action in the Southern Lakes, while looking 100 years ahead.

“Our 2026 strategy is about strengthening the systems already emerging in our community - and ensuring the decisions we make today protect the wellbeing of our mokopuna 100 years from now,” Wao general manager Monique Kelly said.

“We want everyone to be part of shaping that future.”

Wao’s initiatives for next year include an expansion of ‘Ride for Change’, its youth-focused active-transport initiative. PHOTO: Wao

New ‘Better Building’ training modules will be launched to provide practical and accessible training for architects, builders, designers, developers, and community members.

Modules will include high-performance, low-carbon building, better material choices and circular design, embodied carbon and operational energy, healthy homes and wellbeing-focused design, and future-proofed, climate-resilient building practices. 

Food resilience work will also scale up, the organisation said, with plans to strengthen the Southern Lakes Kai Collective and support projects such as community harvest networks, grower-led workshops and seed-sharing programmes.

Transport is another focus area. 

Wao plans to significantly expand ‘Ride for Change’ - its youth-focused active-transport initiative - to support a shift toward healthier, low-emission travel. 

Residents can get involved with Wao next year through its harvest festival, volunteering, or supporting its work via donations. PHOTO: Wao

Meanwhile its Better Events Collective will introduce new tools and standards to help local events reduce waste and emissions.

Expanded school engagement and Wao’s youth arm, ‘Gen Wao’, will support young people to lead, influence and design the solutions they want to inherit, Monique said.

Wao recently presented its annual Sustainability Award at Mount Aspiring College to Year 13 student Nico Pettit.

“If we want thriving communities in 2125, we must empower the voices who will live in that future,” Monique said.

Nico Pettit, the recipient of Wao’s 2025 sustainability award. PHOTO: Wao

“Our youth are not just participants - they are our partners in designing long-term, resilient systems.”

Members of the public can get involved in Wao’s work next year through events such as the 2026 Harvest Festival, volunteering opportunities, or supporting initiatives via donations, Monique said.

Learn more about Wao here.