Resilience in Action Connecting people, ideas and action to help communities understand change, navigate complexity and shape a thriving future. Workshops. Films. Tours. Kōrero.
Various Venues between Wānaka and Queenstown
27th October 2026 - 31st October 2026

Wao Summit is a five-day festival of how we can better understand change, navigate complexity and shape a thriving future.

Bringing together world-leading thinkers, local innovators and passionate communities across Queenstown and Wānaka, the Summit combines inspiring keynote speakers, immersive field experiences, practical workshops and powerful conversations that turn big ideas into real-world action.

Each themed day explores a different piece of the resilience puzzle, from the wisdom of nature and regenerative business to better buildings and resilient food systems. Together, they reveal that the future isn’t something we predict. It’s something we create.