WilderFest 2024 - what a day! 

Huge thanks to everyone who participated and attended WilderFest 2024! This year WilderFest had a new format (as well as a new name) and was held in conjunction with Music In Parks at the Onetangi Sports Park during EcoFest. We’re excited about the positive feedback we have had so far and the impact this event has created for the local and wider community.

The day was filled with educational stalls, inspiring talks, kai, and live music supplied by Music In Parks! We hosted local community groups that are doing amazing mahi in conservation on Waiheke, such as Collective Projects Te Korowai o Waiheke and Waiheke Marine Project.

Info and activity stalls also included the Waiheke Resources Trust and Island Waste Collective, Dark Sky Waiheke and WISCA with Auckland Council's Animal Management team, Forest & Bird and Auckland Council Environmental Services team. We also hosted Talking Tree Hill who created a nature map of Waiheke throughout the day using upcycled materials. 

We'd like to extend special thanks to our speakers, Blair Anderson Ngāti Paoa, Cath Handley Local Board Chair, Denisa from The Recovery Shop who shared what they do to help Waiheke meet its zero waste goals, Kym from the Wetlands team at WRT shared how vital wetlands are for the environment to thrive, and Aaron from Animal Management highlighted the importance of responsible dog ownership on Waiheke. Finally, Tineke and Emma from Save the Kiwi spoke about the potential for introducing Kiwi to Waiheke Island and what needs to be done to achieve this!

Also big shout outs to Amanda at Sparkle Kids Face Painting who worked her magic relentlessly throughout the day, the Rotary Club for loaning its gazebos, and Artworks Theatre for its bean bags and mats. And kai supplied by Napoli Street Pizza Fritta, Indy's Curry Pot and the Zero Waste team at WRT keeping the whole event spotless!