The Kiwiburn FAQ

The Kiwiburn FAQ

GENERAL INFORMATION

Q. What is Kiwiburn?
A. Kiwiburn is New Zealand's regional burn, styled after the Burning Man event held in America but with it's own unique atmosphere and ethos. Kiwiburn includes performance, music and visual arts, limited only by the imagination of the participants. If you wish to truly understand and comprehend Kiwiburn, you need to attend the event — it's unlike anything you've ever experienced!

Q. Where is Kiwiburn being held this year?
A. Kiwiburn will be held at Whakamaru Domain, near Mangakino in the Central North Island of New Zealand. The site is 240km from Auckland and 420km from Wellington.

Q. What are the dates for the event?
A. In 2010, Kiwiburn will be held from Friday Jan 29th (10am) to Monday Feb 1st (10am).

Q. What night does the Man burn?
A. Sunday

Q. What is this year's theme?
A. Past themes have included megamorphosis, combustinunity, future history. The theme for 2010 is ELEMENTALITY.

TICKETS

For Kiwiburn 2009 Ticket Information, please go here:  http://www.kiwiburn.com/tickets
Q. How much is a ticket for my child?
A. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free. Children ages 13-18 require full-price tickets. Be prepared to show proof of age. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you plan to bring a child, please read the Kids at Kiwiburn survival guide.

Q. Will I be able to buy tickets at the gate?
A. If still available, tickets will be available at the gate until the gate closes at 6pm Sunday. Tickets purchased at the Gate are $100 payable with cash only.

Q. Are the gates to the event open 24 hours?
A. The gates into the site will be closed between 1am and 8am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Participants arriving during these hours are asked to park/camp outside the site and check in when the gate opens. The gates close at 12 noon on Sunday, January 31st – there will be no admission after this time. We'd suggest that you plan to arrive as early as possible to fully enjoy the event.

Q. Will I be able to leave and return to the event?
A. While leaving the paddock during the event and returning to the real world will probably be the last thing on your mind, in and out passes are available at the gate for $20. If you leave without receiving a pass, you will not be able to return without paying full price for a ticket again. 

Q. Does the event sell out, or have a limit in size?
A. We do not expect the event to sell out. However, ticket sales for 2010 are expected to be brisk and limits may be imposed at some point. Because tickets rise in price throughout the year, we encourage you to purchase your tickets early.

Q. We would like to visit Kiwiburn, but can only spend part of the day there. Are you selling 1-day or 2-day passes at the gate?
A. Kiwiburn is an experiment in temporary community. Relationships are created, neighbors meet one another, and fun is had by all. This is not a spectator event. It is difficult for you to take a role in the community if you are on the paddock for less than 24 hours. In order to experience the true essence of Kiwiburn, you will want to become part of the community. Therefore, there are no day passes sold, and no discounts given based on your length of stay. Of course, it is not necessary that you come for the entire event. You are welcome to arrive early and stay for just a portion of the event.

Q. I am a member of the press. How can I get a complimentary ticket?
A. We can arrange an hour or so guided visit for free if this is arranged before the event by contacting the committee.Otherwise you need to buy a ticket.

Q. I'm from Mangakino, can I get in cheaper?
A.We appreciate the local community's hospitality and offer “Locals” tickets. These are $40 and can be bought on the gate with some proof of residence. This is only for those with a Mangakino address.

Q. Can I get in free by volunteering?
A. Sorry, no. Unlike many other festivals, Kiwiburn is an entirely volunteer-driven, participatory event. There is no "crew" as such and everyone participates in making Kiwiburn an amazing experience.
Because of this, everyone, including volunteers and the organizing commitee, buys a ticket for the event. Kiwiburn is non-profit, and all the ticket money goes into a pool to pay the expenses of the event, such as council fees, toilets and infrastructure, such as the man and temple.

If you find the cost of a ticket expensive, consider the following:
- buying a ticket early gets you a cheaper price, only $50 before October 31st.
- the Kiwiburn community can often help out with rides, floors to sleep on and other help, especially if you're coming a long way. Ask on the forums (www.kiwiburn.com/forum).
- if you're making art for Kiwiburn, there is an art grant programme that can help with expenses. See http://kiwiburn.com/art-grants
- Kiwiburn is amazing, and $50 for three days is way less than most other festivals in NZ, let alone overseas.

Q. Can I turn up early?
A.Unlike other events, Kiwiburn does not have rigid rules around early arrivals (or late departures). We ask that if you are onsite outside the event times, you are participating in either volunteer work on the event infrastructure or on theme camps or art. Note also that outside event times, many infrastructure items will not be set up, and structures will be under construction. Pay extra attention to safety and ask before touching anything.

Also, bear in mind that outside event times, the paddock is open to the general public for camping and recreation. Please show respect for anyone who's on site from outside the Kiwiburn group.

Q. How can we tell people have paid?
A. Following issues last year with a very few people who tried to sneak in, this year we will be issuing everyone with wristbands to an exciting and attractive design.

If you see people onsite without a wristband, please let a Wrangler or the Mudfop / Gate team know.

PREPARATION

Q. What should I bring?
A. Thank you for asking the million-dollar question. Kiwiburn is an exercise in radical self-sufficiency. You have to bring all you need to survive, and then some. Some people bring only the basics; others bring everything including the kitchen sink.

• Water, food and shelter are imperative — you will be asked to turn around at the gate if gate personnel believe you cannot meet your basic survival needs. Carefully read the http://www.kiwiburn.com/survivalguide.pdf)" href="http://www.kiwiburn.com/survivalguide.pdf">Survival Guide (http://www.kiwiburn.com/survivalguide.pdf), and prepare accordingly.
• There are quite a few sandflies – bring bug repellent! The NZ sun is pretty brutal, so you also need sunblock (you can get the two combined).
• After you have taken care of your survival, everything else is up to you.
• If you are fond of sleep, earplugs are a participant's best friend.
• For maximum enjoyment of the event, bring toys or costumes with which you can express your creative spirit.

Q. What can I buy once I get there?
A. Kiwiburn is a commerce-free event.

• Nothing is sold on the paddock. There is a daily ice run, usually around lunchtime. Times for this will be available at Centre Camp and you can get ice for around cost ($5 or so a bag).

• You need to bring ALL supplies, food, water and tools you will need for a weekends camping. No food or sundry items are sold anywhere on the paddock.
• If you forget something vital, your best bet is to make friends with your neighbours.

• If you really need something, you can leave and re-enter Kiwiburn for a $20 fee. Mangakino (3km) has basic shops, while Taupo (50km) and Tokoroa (30km) have a full range of stores.
   

Q. Where is a good place to get food/fuel/water/wierd kinky stuff/BEER?
A. The nearest village, Mangakino has limited shopping facilities (groceries, a liquor store and a chip shop). There is also a gas station around 1km from the site.
Tokoroa and Taupo both have supermarkets, builders merchants, electrical stores and a range of other services associated with a rural centre. They also have the nearest equipment rental outlets.
For more esoteric needs, Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton are the nearest large cities. Asking on the forums may help in meeting your requirements.

Q. What can I expect from the weather?
A. In Nevada, there is a saying: if you don't like the weather, stick around for five minutes and it will change. Oddly enough, we have the same saying in New Zealand, only in our case it's actually true. Summer temperatures in the Central North Island range up to 35C in the daytime and down to 10C or below at night. Rainstorms are not uncommon – we have had rain every year at Kiwiburn, but it's always cleared up.

• Be prepared for volatile extremes, and ready for anything and everything. Come with ample shade producing shelter, warm clothes and sleeping gear, and lots of water. Please read our http://www.kiwiburn.com/survivalguide.pdf)" href="http://www.kiwiburn.com/survivalguide.pdf">Survival Guide (http://www.kiwiburn.com/survivalguide.pdf).
• Winds up to 40km/h are quite usual, and anything up to 120km/h is possible. So are earthquakes. And supervolcanoes [link]. You are advised to secure your tent, shade structure and loose items in preparation for this possibility. You might want to visit the Burning Man page: Securing your Structure for valuable information about creating a weather-worthy campsite. Rebar is your best friend!
• Having said that, the weather is usually pleasant, but participants should be prepared for anything the climate can throw at them.
   

GETTING TO KIWIBURN

Q: I hear there will be no driving on the paddock; how will I get to my campsite?
A: You may drive to your camping spot, but do not plan to use your vehicle as transportaion on the paddock for the duration of your stay. This is a serious safety issue and will be strictly enforced. No driving will be allowed without a permit.
This also applies to infrastructure volunteers and theme camp builders. If you need to make multiple vehicle trips to move equipment, do it before the event starts.

Q: Can I camp next to my car?
A: You can, and you should keep it at your campsite. Do not use it for transport around our village — this is one of the conditions for camping here. The paddock is fully accessible by bicycle or on foot. Your access to our city implies an understanding of this rule. You may be required to leave if you violate this policy. The sole exception for this is art cars. If you would like to drive your art car during the event, you will need to register with us and follow safety rules.

Q. Where is the closest airport?
A. The nearest domestic airport is Taupo (50km). Rotorua and Hamilton are slightly further and have domestic and limited Australian services.

Auckland is the only airport in NZ with direct services to the US and other intercontinental destinations.

If you have a personal aircraft, then, wow! We'd very much doubt there's room for a fixed wing aircraft, but floatplanes, helicopters, hot-air balloons and Harrier JumpJets might be able to land. Contact us and the CAA, and we'll try and make it happen.

Q. I don't have a car. How can I get to Kiwiburn from Auckland/Wellington?
A. There are a whole range of options:

• Post on the rideshare boards in the Kiwiburn forum. Lots of burners are looking for people to share a vehicle and we encourage this to save on energy and emissions.
• Join one of the Kiwiburn volunteer teams. We love our volunteers, especially those from overseas and can often sort people out with transport
• Join a theme camp. A lot of camps will organise carpools for their members.
• There are regular bus services to Tokoroa and Taupo – see http://www.nakedbus.com/times-stops/where-we-go-north-island/taupo/ or http://www.intercity.co.nz for details. You may be able to arrange a ride to and from those towns.
• There is an occasional local bus service from Tokoroa to Mangakino (http://www.ew.govt.nz/Regional-services/Passenger-transport/Mangakino-to...).

• NZ rental cars are amongst the cheapest in the world. You might be able to combine with others to fill a rental. Make sure you leave room for all your essential stuff!

Q: What is the policy with regard to Recreational Vehicles (RV's)?
A: RV's are fine. Remember, this is wilderness camping and there are no hookups. Do not discharge gray water or sewage. There is no servicing, so make sure you are set up to free camp for the time you'll be at the event. Note that unlike other events, Kiwiburn doesn't really “stress” vehicles so RV rental companies should have no problems with you coming to us, provided you leave the van in a reasonable state. Also, note that in NZ you can rent basic “camper vans” as well as full-size RVs. These have no plumbing, etc, but are way cheaper!

PARTICIPATION

Q. What is a Theme camp?
A. A very good question, indeed. It's an interactive camp designed by the camp members with the intention of engaging participants. More information can be found in the Theme Camp section. Theme camps are located throughout our village. Assigned placement comes after approved advanced registration. Please register in good time so we can update the theme camp list.

Q. How do I register my theme camp?
A. Fill in a few questions at http://kiwiburn.com/theme-reg and you're done.

Q. Should I join a theme camp ahead of time, or when I arrive?
A. It is not necessary to join either a theme camp or village, Kiwiburn is small enough that you can camp independently and still meet people and participate in many fun things.  If you have an idea for a theme camp, consider creating one yourself. The forums are a great resource for floating an idea and organising a new camp.

If you want to join a theme camp, we'd suggest making contact beforehand. Most camps like to get to know their members, and sometimes have limits on numbers. There are details of registered camps on the Kiwiburn website and on the forum.

Q. Can theme camps charge?
A. Building a theme camp usually involves costs, which may be a few dollars or several hundred. A theme camp may require a financial or participatory contribution from those in the camp to cover costs and get things done. Theme camps (and Kiwiburn as a whole) are non commercial and all camps should be run on a not for profit basis. This isn't considered commerce, but we'd suggest that people get the money stuff out of the way before the event.

Q. Are theme camps open to everyone?
A. Theme camps are a bit like a house party or camping trip. The members decide who they want to form their group. When theme camps throw events, these are nearly always open to all participants, but it may be that some camps will decide to have partly closed events. This is their choice.

Q. Can I create a large art installation?
A. Absolutely. You can either build your installation as part of your camp, or place your art in a different part of the paddock.  If you'd like to stay near your installation you may want to build it as part of your camp. You should register your art in advance to arrange placement and obtain safety approval.

Q. Are there pre-assigned places for theme camps and art installations?
A. We aim to place everyone's theme camps and art in the best possible place on the paddock, allowing for traffic, noise and other factors.. Therefore, it is best to register your theme camp, village or art installation early. Registration is not a prerequisite for creating an art installation or theme camp — much of the best art is found in unexpected places!

Q. I have some handmade crafts that I'd like to sell in order to cover my travel costs. Where can I set this up?
A. Kiwiburn has survived and flourished through sharing, trading and the giving of the gift of yourself. We have found the buying and selling of goods is a distraction to connecting and creating relationships. Selling is a transaction-based activity. There is NO VENDING at Kiwiburn. Participants who are found vending will be asked to leave.

Q. I'd like to play on the main stage, how can I get there?
A. There is no Main Stage at Kiwiburn.

We have a Centre Camp which provides a space for performance art and music. This will have a limited PA facility. See the Centre Camp coordinator to schedule a peformance slot

Many theme camps feature music and performance – if you would like to play music or DJ, for instance, then make contact with the camp organisers, who are usually happy to get new members.

You can also set up your own performance based theme camp.

Q. What about amplified music at Kiwiburn?
A. Many Kiwiburn participants enjoy amplified music. Use of amplified music needs to take place with consideration for other campers and for the community outside the Kiwiburn perimeter. Because of this, we place large scale sound camps in dedicated areas, and have a quiet zone as far as possible from these areas. If you use an amplified audio system at your camp, the volume must be held to reasonable levels.
Speakers must be elevated off the ground, and backed by a truck, camper or anything large and solid enough to prevent the sound from traveling backwards. If a problem with sound levels continues after sufficient requests and warnings, the source of power for such device or system will be disabled.
The hum of generators can become annoying over a long period of time. Please keep your neighbours in mind. We recommend generators that are sound insulated. Do NOT dig a trench to sound-insulate your generator - enclose it in a wooden box.
High volume sound (greater than 90db at 30m distance) is only permitted in registered sound camps in the sound art zone. As a guideline, the volume from a sound camp/art installation should be less than 90db at 30m distance from the speakers. Speakers must be directed away from the main camping zones. If your sound art is audible above 40db (quiet library level) in the quiet zone at night, you may be asked to turn it down.
In the quiet camping zone noise must be kept at a minimum. Musical instruments or stereos cannot be played there at night, and conversation should be kept to a minimum.

Q. What's the line up this year?
A. You are!

Kiwiburn is a participant driven event. Everyone who performs at Kiwiburn does so as a participant, and there are no paid or booked performers. Based on previous years, there will be a range of DJs and musicians playing on theme camp stages and at Centre Camp.

If you want an idea of who's playing or what styles of music are being featured, many of the theme camps have web or Facebook pages.

If you have a musical style you'd like featured, or a performer you want to see – think about starting a theme camp and persuading your favourite DJ to come to Kiwiburn.

Q. How do I volunteer?
A. Yes! We have a live one! You can volunteer in advance by contacting volunteer@kiwiburn.com. Or you can find the volunteer coordinator on site – but we prefer you make contact in advance because that helps us be Organised.
Some of the volunteer roles we need to fill are:
DPW – acting hardcore and drinking scrumpy. Also making shit.
Gate – checking tickets, making sure people are all set to enjoy Kiwiburn
Greeters – welcoming people to our wonderful paddock
Health and Safety – checking for hazards and making sure everything is safe. Ish.
Wranglers – keeping those darn kids in line..

ON THE PADDOCK

Q. How is the event laid out?
A.The Whakamaru Domain (aka The Paddock) is a series of paddocks (fields), woodland and scrub extending to around 20 acres on the banks of Lake Maraetai. The layout of Kiwiburn fits organically around this. Certain fields are designated quiet areas, while others are for sound camps. The area around Centre Camp is the core of Kiwiburn and has a lot of daytime activity.

Q: Can I reserve a campsite?

A. Registered theme camps will get placement in an appropriate position. Other camping is first-come first-served. Come early if you need space to add friends, but don't grab more land than you need!

Q: Is there a quiet place to camp?
A: Kiwiburn is alive 24 hours a day, and much activity takes place at night. We ask that each person respect their neighbor. If you are fond of quiet for sleeping, we recommend earplugs. There is a quiet zone where you can camp if you prefer, but we can't guarantee silence.

Q. What kind of facilities do you provide for those in a wheelchair?
A. Put mudgrips on your wheelchair and bring an enthusiastic able-bodied assistant.  We'd suggest you contact us in advance to discuss facilities.

Q. Are there toilets?
A. Yes, we provide portaloos. They potties are serviced on a regular basis during the event. We do our very best to keep them clean and stocked with toilet paper.

NOTHING other than human waste is to be put into a pottie toilet. We are encouraging participants to think of the porta-potties as if they were your own home toilets. ONLY HUMAN WASTE or TOILET PAPER should go into them. At other events, numerous discarded items in porta-potties caused tremendous problems and prevented the timely cleaning of the potties. Let's make sure this doesn't happen at Kiwiburn!

Like the cattle and sheep we share the paddock with, participants can urinate on the paddock. Be discrete and sensible, eh!

Q. What about medical emergencies?
A. We encourage radical self reliance and first aid kits. However, medical needs can arise. Burning Man contracts with a local emergency services provider. The medics are here to help and can be found near Centre Camp. If there is a serious medical emergency, and the participant cannot be moved, contact a Wrangler or the Mudfop (or anyone with a radio) for assistance.
The St John Ambulance Service provide national paramedic services in New Zealand, e.g. if a person needs to be taken to hospital. Hospitals are located in Taupo, Tokoroa and Hamilton – which one depends on the nature of the illness or injury.
Note that like most overseas travel, those from outside NZ should have travel insurance to cover any medical expense. (First aid treatment provided by the onsite medics is funded by Kiwiburn).

Q. So what's the deal with fire?
A. No open fires - there is a partial or total fire ban expected. Gas powered barbecues and lanterns are ok.  Fire spinning is ok in the fire spinning area.  (With the help of the awesome Mangakino Volunteer Fire Brigade, we expect to get a permit for the burn on Sunday night).

Q. What is the policy on taking pictures?

A. Commercial use of all imagery taken at KiwiBurn is forbidden without express permission. All professional photographers with intent to receive compensation for a KiwiBurn image including editorial or gallery) must check in with the organisers. Pre- or post-event, photographers should register at www.kiwiburn.com, or email info@kiwiburn.com for permission. ALL motion-capturing video and film cameras must be registered, whether for personal or professional purposes. There is no filming without express permission.

Q. Is there any place to hook up my RV?

A. No. You need to treat Kiwiburn as free camping, provide all services that you need and haul all waste away.

Q. Does Kiwiburn have a power grid?
A. Not really. Some infrastructure runs on mains power, other on generators.

If you want to share power with neighbouring camps, that's great. The forums would be a great place to plan this. If you want to help build better and greener power sources (like solar panels or wind turbines) then that would also be great!

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: NO! Absolutely not. There are many reasons why you can't bring animals of any kind to Kiwiburn:

• Our agreement with Taupo council, the site owner, forbids animals.
• NZ has a unique ecosystem with no native mammals. Introduced animals can chase and kill birds and damage plants.
• Pets are prone to responding adversely to loud noises, huge sound systems, explosions, fireworks and crazy costumed people.
• Kiwiburn is surrounded by fields with farm animals – these can be harmed by pets. Farmers are entitled to shoot animals that are disturbing their stock.

Particpants with animals will be turned round at the gate. There are a number of kennels around both the Whakamaru area and most NZ cities than can look after your pet during the event – making a booking early is recommended.

Q. How do I get around from camp to camp?
A. Kiwiburn is a pedestrian-friendly village that is easy to navigate with a bicycle or on foot. We encourage you to decorate your transportation. You may not drive your car at the event. This is a serious safety issue - moving cars create dust and we have little room for people to drive. Please recognize the importance of this rule. The sole exception to the no-driving rule are art cars and mutant vehicles, which must have been preregistered and have a safety plan.

Q: How will I find my friends once I arrive?
A: The Kiwiburn site is small and friendly enough that you should find your friends really easily. Or maybe find some different friends, as well. (or instead!)

If you do need help finding your friends, especially if it's dark, here are some suggestions:

• There is full mobile coverage (bleagh!). However, many people choose to turn their phones off during the event.
• The Wranglers and Mudfop will often know where people are and can find any placed theme camp easily. Ask them!
• There will be a whiteboard at Centre Camp to leave messages on.
• You can also leave messages at the Greeter Station.
• Or, even better, volunteer for Greeters and be there when your friends arrive!  

Q: I have a family member that is ill, and I may need to be contacted in the event of an emergency, what can I tell them to do to reach me?
A: We'd suggest in this case that you do get a mobile phone and leave it switched on, or check in with your family.

Q. What about trash disposal? Will there be rubbish bins for me to toss my rubbish into on the way out of Kiwiburn?
A. NO. Nein, negatory, absolutely not under any circumstances. Did we mention that we have NO trash disposal?

• You are responsible for removing all waste you bring onto the paddock. This includes cigarette butts, boa feathers, pistachio shells and couches.
• When preparing your belongings and planning the construction of your campsite prior to arrival, keep in mind that you will have to take everything back with you. For tips (from Burning Man) on how to minimize packaging, click here.
• Separating your garbage makes it easier to get home.
• There might be a recycling camp. This will be a participant driven venture – do not rely on it!
• You must dispose of your waste properly. Do not leave trash in gas station or town facilities, it's rude and illegal. Ideally, take your waste home, though airlines may not wish to transport week old rotten fruit. There are landfill/recycling sites at Managkino, Taupo and other locations, see: http://www.taupodc.govt.nz/A-to-Z-of-council-services/Refuse-and-Recycling/Broadlands-Road-RRP-and-District-Transfer-Stations. A charge is made for waste disposal.
   

Q: Why are there so many rules this year?
A: Kiwiburn is run by a vast bureaucracy, which seeks to direct every aspect of our citizens lives. Suck it up!
Seriously, everything that we insist on is driven by the survival of the event and its partipants. NZ is a small country, and we need to coexist with tangata whenua, local people and other visitors. The local authorities, especially Taupo District Council and Managkino Volunteer Fire Service have been hugely helpful in getting Kiwiburn to happen, and we want to maintain our excellent relationship.
Because of this we need to conform to various requirements made by the local government and authorities, which require certain stipulations of participants. Our guiding principle is that we Leave A Positive Trace on the landscape. The paddock is an artificial, man-made environment, and we can't (unlike other events) claim not to leave any trace on it. What we can do is to ensure that our traces, both physical and social, are positive.

Q: My question wasn't answered here — is there someone who can help?
A: Try contacting info@kiwiburn.com and they will do their best!