Photo: Burning Man founder Larry Harvey, by John Curley.
There will no doubt be many tributes to Larry Harvey being made at Baker Beach in San Francisco today and over the coming days. Many experiences and stories shared. Many tears shed. No-one could have imagined the global influence and impact created from a simple ceremony there 32 years ago.
Larry Harvey created a unique culture and became an inspiring leader. He passed away on 28 April 2018, aged 70, leaving a legacy which lives on around the world. Lives have been changed forever.
Burning Man has become far more than an annual event. Its’ philosophies have resonated with many, inspiring the creation of regional events around the world, and fostering community with like-minded people.
Kiwiburn is the oldest Regional outside of the USA. New Zealand Regional Burning Man representative and Kiwiburn founder Mark ‘Yonderman’ Stirling, discovered Burning Man by accident in 1994 while on a camping trip in the Black Rock Desert. The first regional burn in New Zealand was held near Takaka in early 2004, with a group of motivated Burners forming an organisational structure to bring the event north in 2007.
They had a vision of what a New Zealand Burner event could be like, and the people who came not knowing a thing about the culture of Burning Man continue to embrace it, and want more.
Larry Harvey’s legacy lives on in Burner communities around the world, including New Zealand.
Rest in peace. Burn in peace.
