Survival Guide

Kiwiburn is built on the ten Principles of Burning Man. They are:

1. RADICAL INCLUSION. Anyone may be a part of Burning Man. We welcome and respect the stranger. No prerequisites exist for participation in our community.

2. GIFTING. Burning Man is devoted to acts of gift giving. The value of a gift is unconditional. Gifting does not contemplate a return or an exchange for something of equal value.

3. DECOMMODIFICATION. In order to preserve the spirit of gifting, our community seeks to create social environments that are unmediated by commercial sponsorships, transactions, or advertising. We stand ready to protect our culture from such exploitation. We resist the substitution of consumption for participatory experience.

4. RADICAL SELF-RELIANCE. Burning Man encourages the individual to discover, exercise and rely on his or her inner resources.

5. RADICAL SELF-EXPRESSION. Radical self-expression arises from the unique gifts of the individual. No one other than the individual or a collaborating group can determine its content. It is offered as a gift to others. In this spirit, the giver should respect the rights and liberties of the recipient.

6. COMMUNAL EFFORT. Our community promotes social interaction through collective acts of gifting. We value creative cooperation and collaboration. We strive to produce, promote and protect social networks, public spaces, works of art, and methods of communication that support such interaction.

7. CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY. We value civil society. Community members who organise events should assume responsibility for public welfare and endeavour to communicate civic responsibilities to participants. Organisers must also assume responsibility for abiding by national law and district bylaws.

8. LEAVING NO TRACE. Our community respects the environment. We are committed to leaving no physical trace of our activities wherever we gather. We clean up after ourselves and endeavour, whenever possible, to leave such places in a better condition than when we found them.

9. PARTICIPATION. Our community is committed to a radically participatory ethic. We believe that transformative change, whether in the individual or in society, can occur only through the medium of deeply personal participation in experience. We achieve being through doing. Everyone is invited to work. Everyone is invited to play. We make the world real through actions that open the heart.

10. IMMEDIACY. Immediate experience is, in many ways, the most important touchstone of value in our culture. We seek to overcome barriers that stand between us and a recognition of our inner selves, appreciation of the reality of those around us, participation in society, and contact with a natural world exceeding human powers. No idea can substitute for this experience.

Tickets

In order to be able to buy a ticket, you have to register a Burner Profile – do that first!
There is a limited number of tickets for Kiwiburn each year and demand usually far outstrips supply.
The majority of tickets are allocated to volunteers, artists and Theme Camp members (read on to find out what Theme Camp is) – this is your best way to get a ticket and the best way to have an amazing time at the Burn too. The remaining tickets are sold in a general sale. The sale operates as a randomised lottery to make it as fair as possible – if you “win” the lottery you can purchase up to two tickets.
There is an official system for selling on your tickets if you no longer need them, either to someone specific or back into the lottery. Read more about tickets here.

Online Community

We are all connected – you can keep up with what is happening and talk to other Burners here:
Electric Fencepost Newsletter – the one source of truth for our official comms.
Facebook Page – for official messages
Facebook Group – for discussions and questions
Instagram – less words, more pics to get enthused by!

Theme

Each year, the Burn has a Theme – something to rally around. Live the Theme! Ignore the Theme! It’s all up to you, but the Theme is meant to inspire and unite. Unless it doesn’t. Have fun with it. Read about the current Theme here.

Participation

Whether it’s your first time or your millionth (time is relative!), participation is key to the Burn. There are no spectators. Think about your participation in advance. Many people think they need to bring a “gift” to the Burn, and that’s cool (we love a cool cocktail or a homemade brownie), but gifts are not the only things you could give:

• Volunteering is the best way to participate. You can volunteer in a year-round role (there are so many things to do, from making the website to figuring out our sustainability plan!) or on-site during, before or after the Burn – the Greeters greet, Gate checks tickets, Rangers look after everyone so nothing goes wrong, Medics look after everyone when something goes wrong… and many more. If it’s your first year at Kiwiburn, volunteering is a great way to get into the spirit and community of it and you don’t need to first check it out to see “what it’s all about”. Check out more here.
• Join or start a Theme Camp – Theme Camps provide experiences from yoga lessons to dance parties, and you can be part of this! Read about Theme Camps here.
• Make Art: Kiwiburn is about radical self expression, so make Art! Some artworks are many stories high and others can fit in a shoebox. It all counts and makes the Paddock more magical. You do need to register your artwork, and you could get a grant to help you too! Read about art here.
• Events: You can also create an event, either in a Theme Camp, out in the wild, or at the Hub – read more here.

If you do bring a gift, remember that we are decommodified – we don’t sell or display brands, and home-made weirdness is much better than store bought plastic. And if you are sharing anything to eat or drink, always alert people to what they are putting in their bodies!

What to bring

Radical self-reliance means that you need to be able to sleep, eat, take care of yourself, and have fun without asking for help, though of course there are plenty of support options on Paddock. Remember, nothing (except ice) is sold on site!
Go and read our guide on what you need to bring here.

Location

Kiwiburn is located on a farm Paddock near Hunterville on the North Island of New Zealand. We recommend you don’t buy airfares until you have a ticket! The road to Kiwiburn is a normal New Zealand road with a short drive down a gravel farm road – suitable for all vehicles, but the access to site is a bit steep, so don’t overload your vehicle and if you’re towing anything, make sure your vehicle has the right capacity. More here!

Travel to the Burn

If you are coming in a car, think sustainably and share the car with as many people as possible. We have a ride-share page where you can offer or request rides – take advantage of it!
Campervans or recreational vehicles are welcome. Be aware that there is no dumping station on-site, and you will not be allowed to dump on the ground.

Arrival

You can only enter the event when it is open – please only arrive at the advertised opening times. Note that in 2025, the first hour (8am – 9am on Wednesday) is reserved for Priority Lane pass holders so if you don’t have one of those, do not arrive until 9am on Wednesday or you will be turned away!
If you arrive when the Gates are closed, security will direct you to nearby Vinegar Hill campground for the night, and you may return in the morning when Gate reopens.
Please follow the directives of the Traffic Crew and Security and observe the posted speed limits. A queue may form during busy times – this is part of the experience so relax and roll with it! Make sure you pull your vehicle as far to the left side of the road as possible to leave room for vehicles to pass (there will be volunteers setting up, people from the farm, and other traffic both ways that needs to have a way to get past).

Early Entry

Early entry passes are very very limited. This is because we are on private property and have to keep our pre-event population to a minimum and within the limit set by our Resource Consent. Early entry will be granted to selected volunteers, Artists and Theme Camp representatives with a real need to be on site early. The application for Early Entry is made through the Art Registration, Theme Camp Registration and volunteer process. If you are not sure if you have early entry, you don’t have it!
Early entry pass holders may arrive up to four days early – you will know what date you are allowed to arrive on.
All others will be turned away. No exceptions.

In-and-Out Policy

While you can leave early, casual traffic in and out of Kiwiburn is strongly discouraged. Participants who leave and return will be required to pay a fee of $20 per vehicle to support the security that we have to hire to maintain this. See FAQs on the Kiwiburn website for updated details.

Our Neighbours

You might pass through the communities of Hunterville, Marton and/or Taihape. Hunterville is about 6kms from the site, has a large 4 Square supermarket, two gas stations, several motels, cafes, and restaurants.

• These towns are not extensions of Kiwiburn.
• Don’t replenish water from a local supply. This water belongs to local residents and they have to pay for it. We have water on site for you!
• Don’t deposit any form of rubbish here or by the roadside.
• Don’t speed through these towns, and avoid blocking driveways if you park your car.
• Do not forget to wear pants or other appropriate clothing. The locals welcome us, but inappropriate behaviour on our part can undermine this relationship.

Behave as you would in any small community. Be courteous and patient, dress appropriately and do not impart a party atmosphere. We are guests here. Be friendly to all local residents.

Supporting the local community by shopping locally is encouraged but please remember – once you are on site you will not be able to pop into town, so ensure you bought everything you need before you arrive!

Gate

When you arrive at KiwiBurn, volunteers will ensure you have the following:

• Tickets and ID
• Enough water and food
• No prohibited items (eg pets, explosives, aerial flares, rockets, fireworks, or firearms of any kind).

Everyone in your vehicle must meet these conditions of entry or you will be refused entry to Kiwiburn.
You will receive your wristband at Gate and you will have to keep it on throughout the event. You may also receive a printed events guide and map.

Greeters

After you cleared Gate, make your way to Greeters – this is the traditional Burn welcome and a way to shake off the outside world and start the Burn. Greeters will take care of you and make you welcome. Don’t skip this step!

Finding your campsite

If you are part of a Theme Camp, make sure you find your allocated site on the map and camp there. If you are in General Camping, find those areas on the map and stick to them – no camping outside of designated areas. The Paddocks have different “vibes” – Top Paddock is “loud party” and things get quieter and more suited to “sleeping” (bring earplugs anyway!) the lower you go on the map.
There is no camping under trees for safety reasons – you will be moved if you camp under trees.

Setting up camp

Make sure you set up a shade structure – it gets scorching. Use rebar to secure your tent and tennis balls to mark the rebar. Use reflective or glow in the dark materials to mark your guide ropes. Be considerate of other people’s space and their access to their camp. Help each other, we are a community!

Parking your car

When you arrive you can unpack at your selected spot. Unless you are sleeping in it, you must then return your vehicle to the Parking Paddock at the entrance of the event and you can leave it there for the duration of the event. It’s safe. We have security peeps.

The Basics

What do I do at Kiwiburn?

You have arrived, you were Greeted, you have set up camp, you have parked, you have had your favourite tasty beverage… you are here! Enjoy the here and now!
If it is your first time, go for a walk. Talk to people. Go into spaces. Offer help. Introduce yourself. Offer (and get consent for) hugs or fistbumps or butt-wiggles or whatever passes for a greeting for you. Take your clothes off (nudity is totally cool here) or put a fancy outfit on. Say yes to things unless it’s a no, then say no. There is always something happening, and if you don’t believe us, look at the event guide.

Need places to hang out?

The Temple is our quiet space for reflection. People often associate it with lost loved ones and use it as a way to let their grief go. Writing on the walls of the Temple is generally permitted and messages will appear over the course of the Burn, to go up in smoke when the Temple burns on Sunday.

The Effigy is the other large artwork and represents the Theme of the Burn. Both Effigy and Temple designs are kept as a surprise until arrival so don’t spoil them for others if you get there early!

The ARTery is our Art Hub where you can find out about Art Grants and go on Art tours

Or just go see some Art! It’s everywhere and there is a separate map for it!

The Depot is our community information centre. Buy a bag of ice; check for lost valuables (car keys, cell phones and wallets); check the Paddock map; find out the latest of what’s going on; bring us your gossip; sign up for a volunteer shift; register your children with us and let them know to come to us if they get lost. Open 10am–5pm every day.

There are so many Theme Camps – go in and chill, they are friendly!

Look after yourself!

In the middle of all the fun:

• • Stay hydrated
  • Remember the sun will try to murder you
  • Rest when you need to rest
  • Be respectful of others and always ask consent for anything you would like to do with them
  • If in doubt, ask someone!

What NOT to do at Kiwiburn

The Burn is a social experiment to do things differently, and some things normal in the default world are just not done at the Burn:

• • No selling of anything, no money at all (except for ice), and no bartering either.
  • No commercial logos, advertising, promoting products or signing anyone up for a subscription
  • No leaving the site – no camping outside the boundaries, no venturing out on adventures. We do not have consent to be on other people’s land.
  • No taking photos of people without their consent
  • No pets
  • No guns, explosives, fireworks or floating lanterns
  • No burning things (seriously, only artists can burn their own art, and only with permission from Kiwiburn – see Burn Etiquette)
  • No driving after you have set up camp

Where do i …?

.. buy ice?
From the Depot, every day from 10am to 5pm, for $6 per bag. Exact change appreciated!

… put my rubbish?
In your pocket or bag! Then in your own camp rubbish bag. Then in your car. Then in a designated waste disposal site or your rubbish bin at home. THERE ARE NO PUBLIC BINS AT KIWIBURN.

… volunteer on site?
Come to the Depot!

… ask for help?
Find a ranger – they wander around in the orange vests or marked umbrellas and help people all day long. No stupid questions!

… look for my lost items or hand in something I found?
Small valuables like car keys, wallets and phones should be handed in at the Depot. Important items (phones, wedding rings, prescription glasses) unclaimed will be turned into Hunterville Police (06 321 9111) within 48 hours of the event finishing.
There will be plastic containers on each Paddock and at the river for “Lost Property”. If you remember which Paddock it was lost on, look there first. These will be collected during the event to the “Lost Property” Tent at the Hub. If you lost it, we can’t guarantee it will be here, but it might. On your way out during exodus there will be a Lost Property pile and attempts will be made to return them using the power of social media after the event. Probably.

… get medical assistance?
Find the medics tent!

… get help for someone who is intoxicated?
The Sanctuary is a space where people can go and get help if they are feeling overwhelmed, intoxicated, or otherwise out of sorts. Our volunteers have experience with mental health and will be able to help you through it, give you a safe space to chill, or find you the help you need.

… poop and pee?
Only in the toilets! You might think your pee is fairy sprinkle but our resource consent says no urine on the Paddock

… phone my mum?
Do you HAVE to? How about putting your phone down and leaning into immediacy? Cellphone coverage is really patchy on Paddock anyway so y… m.gh…j..t.as wel..enjoy the m..ment!

… dance?
Everywhere, anytime, like anybody’s watching!

What volunteering can I do during the Burn?

Check out our web page for info on the different roles and how to enlist, or go visit the Depot when you are onsite!

Some volunteers you might come across:
Gate – managing your entry and ticket
Greeters – official welcoming ritual
Black Sheep Rangers – roaming facilitators, conflict resolvers, finders of children, and providers of hugs – wearing the orange vests
MPW – Ministry of Public Works – hard core builders of things who magically emerge from the land every year in early January. We’re pretty sure they burrow there. Don’t mess with them.

Camping

Your camp
Once your camp is up and running, keep in mind:

• • Grey Water: Grey water is produced from cooking, dish washing, and hair and body washing. It’s ok to dump it on the grass, as long as it
    • • Doesn’t have bits in it
      • Is not in people’s way
      • Is within the bounds of the site
  • Rubbish and recycling: You take care of your camp’s rubbish – sort it, contain it, take it home and recycle what you can. There are often initiatives to help with recycling (like worm and compost collections or can recycling) – watch our newsletter for details!
  • Lights: Keep your camp lit well enough so people don’t fall over it!
  • Generators: look, do you really need one? Really really? Solar power is pretty amazing these days! If you really really really need one, see the guidelines on generators below.

Water

There is piped, drinkable water available on site. Bring a container to carry it in.

Ice

Ice is available at the Depot every day from 10am to 5pm for $6 per bag. Bring change. We sell ice (and only ice) to ensure your food stays fresh and no one gets sick. Your survival is important to us.

Generators

Thinking of bringing a generator? Kiwiburn is full of music, laughter, questionable performance art, chanting, shouting, singing and drumming. Yet, while the drone of raves in the night is something we can all adapt to, the relentless brrrrraaaaaaaaappp of a noisy generator is quite another. Just as bad, the exhaust can be like sleeping inside a garage with a car running.

• • Bring the quietest generator you can afford, and the smallest that will meet your actual needs. Larger generators are more difficult to transport. !
  • Share generators across camps or for events.
  • Don’t run your generator late at night or early in the morning.
  • Place the generator as far from other camps as possible.
  • Cover your generator with a sound shield or baffle.
  • Do not bury it to shield the noise. No matter how well it is filled afterwards, the hole leaves a tremendous gouge in the ground.
  • Make sure people can’t trip over any power cords.
  • Don’t mess with other people generators

How to act at Kiwiburn

Leave no Trace

Leave No Trace is one of our Ten Principles. MOOP (Matter Out Of Place) is anything that’s there after we leave the site that was not there before – from glitter, to tent pegs, to a broken down truck.

No rubbish or recycling receptacles are provided at Kiwiburn. Contribute to our long term survival: Pack it In, Pack it Out.

• • Take everything you bring to the event and receive at the event back home with you.
  • Do not empty rubbish or put anything other than human waste in the portable toilets.
  • You are responsible for the condition of your campsite and nearby public areas of Kiwiburn.
  • Clean up as you go!
  • Do not leave your rubbish in neighbouring towns.

You are responsible for ensuring your campsite is clear before you leave – it’s a good idea to form a line and do a MOOP sweep to find even the smallest rubbish before you leave. It’s easier if you clean as you go, and think about what you’re bringing to the Burn and how that could affect the Paddock.

Kiwiburn is also a do-ocracy. If you see MOOP, pick it up.

Things that are MOOP that you might not think are MOOP:

• • Fruit peels and seeds
  • Compost – do not bury it in the ground
  • Bio-degradable glitter (it doesn’t bio degrade that quickly, it turns out)
  • Ash and remains of a burn
  • Human waste

Consent

We have a strong culture of consent – make sure you have consent for all your interactions, including conversations, photographs (see below), any form of touch and especially anything sexual. Read more about our consent culture here.

Photography

Unlike other Burns, Kiwiburn has very little photography. We like our immediacy and we don’t like being photographed without our consent. If you are planning to take photos at the Burn, especially with any intent of publishing them, read our photography policy and stick to it!

This year, Kiwiburn has certain approved photographers for recording the event. They are lovely people who understand the intricacies of consent. We have bought in the idea of bright fluorescent yellow wrist bands, which will be handed out at Gate when you arrive. If you wear one, you give consent to be photographed. If not, you will not be photographed.

 

Fire

Burn Etiquette

If you are coming from overseas, you may expect many Burns. Kiwiburn is different! Generally we have only two Burns: The Effigy on the Saturday night, and the Temple on the Sunday night. Sometimes, a few more artworks may be burnt, with permission from the Kiwiburn Arts Committee (apply in advance), by their own creators. Burning of someone else’s Art is absolutely prohibited.

The two Burns each have their own traditions:

• • After the Effigy Burn, when the Burn perimeter comes down, it is customary to run around the fire. Clothing very optional.
  • The Temple is a silent Burn – many people are grieving or processing a loss. As a sign of respect, there is no music or talking during this Burn.

Camp fires

Fires in braziers are unlikely to be permitted in 2024 – depending on fire restrictions. New Zealand has active fire restrictions which we have to adhere to. Sometimes this means no campfires, not even if they are off the ground. In some years, it may mean no Burns at all – yes, a burn-free Burn. We will keep you posted on what to expect.

Fire safety

For every Burn of an artwork, Burn perimeters are set out in order to protect participants. Breaching the perimeter of Burns will result in instant eviction, no exceptions.

Fire spinning is ok in designated areas. All structures must be 15 metres (50 feet) from any fire spinning area.

Aerial flares, rockets, explosives, chinese lanterns and fireworks are prohibited at Kiwiburn and could result in being excluded from the event a fine. Straw or hay bales are not allowed to burn, except by previous consent.

Burn clean up

You must bag and remove ash from anything burned.

Cooking fires

Gas cookers are ok – think about the location of your cooking facilities, and keep fire extinguishers or water nearby. No cooking or barbecuing on an open fire is allowed (unless you have permission, or you own the farm!)

 

Sound

Kiwiburn is dedicated to radical self-expression, but it is also dedicated to creating community.

• • Not everyone will want to sleep when you do – the only reliable way to get a quiet, uninterrupted night’s sleep is to bring earplugs.
  • All sound systems must comply with Kiwiburn’s resource consent conditions.
  • Details of the requirements are here
  • All sound camps must be registered pre-event.

Moving around

Accessibility

The Paddock can be challenging terrain for a wheelchair, and your ability to move around may be limited. If you are worried about your ability to move around, please contact us and we will help you make a plan if it is at all possible.

Vehicles

Once the event starts, the only driving is:

• • Awesome Art Mutant Vehicles being awesome
  • Vehicles with a job doing that job (emptying the toilet! Moving an artwork! Event management stuff)
  • New arrivals heading to their campsite, or returning their car to the Parking Paddock
  • People leaving the event.

Other than that, there is no driving nothing.

No vehicles of any kind are allowed in the Forest.
Non-essential vehicles are not permitted on the People Paddock and must be parked in the Parking Paddock.

Art cars

Some awesome people bring very fancy cars called Mutant Vehicles that are works of Art. They have special approval to operate. Enjoy them and if you are lucky you may get a ride!

Bikes

You can totally bring a bike to Kiwiburn! But bear in mind, the area is quite small and the ground is Paddock – grass, dirt and mud. Walking is often easier!

The River

Kiwiburn has a river! Take that, Burning Man!
The Rangitikei River winds around the boundary of the site, meaning we have access for swimming. The river changes every year – some spots are quiet and some are fast and rough. Enjoy responsibly:

• • The cliffs around the river are not safe – stay clear of them
  • Bring a buddy – don’t swim alone
  • Swim sober
  • Don’t swim at night
  • No washing in the river – no soap or shampoo in the water, even if they are biodegradable
  • Never leave kids unattended in the river and make sure they are wearing safety gear!

Timing

You can leave whenever you like! (But you can’t leave and come back unless you pay $20, so don’t do that!) However, the event ends on Sunday night and the Paddock must be vacated by 1pm on Monday – this is a resource consent matter and there are no exceptions.

Exodus

Over 2000 people leaving the site on the same day involves some patience. We call this process the Exodus – a slow and stately progression out of the Gate. Chill out, put some tunes on, and let yourself gently decompress as you crawl towards the Gate. Remember you’re a lovely human and let people into traffic!

Take with you

EVERYTHING you brought, found and acquired during the Burn. Leave no trace.

Food collection

The Ministry of Public Works and other volunteers remain after the Burn to take down all the structures and ensure the site is clear. They gratefully accept donations of food and drink to tie them over the long and valuable clean up. Their collection point is at the exit – we suggest packing all donations in a separate easily accessed location so they are ready to go without holding up the line!

Decompression

Be kind to yourself during the days after the Burn – it takes time to come down off the cloud and adjust to everyday life. This is normal. Reaching out to other Burners and reminiscing wildly helps!

This is the “we told you so” section, so we can say we told you so:

Tickets

Violation of Kiwiburn’s rules, or violent or antisocial behaviour, can result in revocation of your ticket and ejection from the event without refund. No one under 18 will be admitted without a parent or guardian. Kiwiburn does not have gate sales. Tickets may be purchased online anytime until Gate closes at 6pm Saturday.

Laws

Kiwiburn does not promote or condone the use of illegal drugs. The use of such drugs in a physically challenging and hazardous environment can create a serious health risk. Underage drinking is forbidden by law. Sex acts are prohibited in the civic space of Kiwiburn and in unrestricted public environments. Kiwiburn also supports your right to privacy as a resident of our community.

Firearms

The possession of firearms – including BB guns, air rifles, paintball guns, or ammunition – within Kiwiburn is prohibited. Neither our event nor the surrounding area is suitable for recreational shooting.

Emergency Medical Services

If you or someone you know (or encounter) requires medical assistance, visit our trained Medics. When you arrive at the event, check the map for the Medics’ location and familiarise yourself with how to get there. Trained emergency medical personnel are on duty 24-hours a day, and emergency evacuation is available. You can also report non-medical emergencies or dangerous situations to the Medics, as they can contact Security or the Site Manager at any time of the day or night.

Personal Safety

While Kiwiburn is built on community and cooperation, that doesn’t mean citizens are protected from the actions of those with bad intentions.

• • Maintain awareness of your personal safety at the event. Secure your valuables when away from camp.
  • Introduce yourself to neighbours and your local volunteers. Work together to keep your neighbourhood secure.
  • Let someone know where you’re going if you wander off alone or with a new friend, and check in frequently.
  • Make new friends, but be alert to the actions of those you meet.
  • Be cautious about accepting drinks in open containers from strangers.
  • Most importantly, use and trust your best instincts.

General Health and Safety Tips

Hand sanitiser
Use the hand sanitiser after using the portable toilets.

Food and water:

• • Do not share water bottles and canteens with other people.
  • Do not bathe under the water taps or drink directly from the taps.
  • Keep the ‘refrigerated’ food in your camp colder than 10 degrees at all times. Restock the ice frequently (you can buy ice at the Depot). If it becomes warm, bacteria will grow and you could get sick from eating it. Keep the food surfaces in your camp as clean as you can.
  • Wash your dishes in soapy water. Dirty dishes can breed bacteria and make you ill. You could also rinse them in a water mixture of 2 teaspoons of bleach added for every four litres of water.
  • If you exhibit symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, high fever, jaundice and malaise, you may be carrying a viral pathogen that is highly contagious to others. Seek medical attention immediately and do not prepare or handle food.

Fuel Safety
All participants using combustible fuels in an Art installation or storing fuel in camp must comply with fuel safety guidelines for storing and handling these materials. Guidelines can be found at here.

Sun
The sun is not your friend in New Zealand. It is a brutal source of radiation that can make you very sick and ruin your experience. Use hats, shades, sunscreens and shelters to minimise your dose! We cannot emphasise this enough. People coming to New Zealand from overseas are always shocked at how brutal our sun is. Please take it seriously. You have been warned.

 

Security

The Kiwiburn site is not remote or isolated like many overseas Burns. New Zealand is a fairly safe country but you should always take precautions. In order to ensure our community is safe and our boundaries respected, there will be professional security officers monitoring the Gate at Kiwiburn. For participants, this should not pose any problems. However, if you have any concerns with security, you can ask for assistance from the Site Manager or your nearest volunteer with a radio (Black Sheep Rangers, Gate, Greeters or The Depot).

Wristbands

You are given a fabric, locking wristband when you enter Kiwiburn. Please wear this at all times during the event, so security can identify participants. If you are not wearing a wristband, do not be offended if you are asked to leave the event! If you lose your wristband, head to Site Office with Photo ID for assistance.

Law Enforcement at Kiwiburn

The NZ police do come and visit Kiwiburn from time to time. It is not their mission to police your lifestyle or inhibit self-expression. They fulfil the same function as the police in any town. It is their duty to respond to any infraction of the law that is brought to their attention.

What is illegal? What are the consequences?

• • Kiwiburn is subject to local and national law.
  • Alcohol and Minors: Serving alcohol to minors is a violation of the law. It is illegal in New Zealand to give alcoholic beverages to any person under the age of 18 in a public place.
    Although Kiwiburn has some characteristics of a private event, please don’t forget that with respect to public safety laws, Kiwiburn is considered public space. For example, if your Theme Camp has a “bar” open to participants where alcoholic drinks are gifted then it is considered a public space in the eyes of the law.
    Therefore, it is the responsibility of the person serving alcohol to check IDs and ensure that everyone in the immediate vicinity is at least 18 years old.
  • Drugs – The use and possession of illegal drugs and possession of such drugs with intent to distribute are violations of the law. The possession of marijuana, even in small quantities, is illegal in New Zealand. This can result in a criminal charge, and conviction can lead to fines and periodic detention. Possession of any other illegal drug is a crime and associated sentences increase with the class of the drug. See here for more details on drug classification and sentences in New Zealand
  • The possession of any illegal drug with intent to distribute is a more serious offence. The possession of large quantities or a variety of drugs may be interpreted as evidence of intent to distribute. Furthermore, the act of distribution is not confined to the sale of such substances.
  • It can mean any form of distribution including gifts. Giving a gift of an illegal substance, even a very small amount, is viewed as a form of distribution. The offence of distribution involves incarceration. Possession of drug paraphernalia is a violation of the law. Just saying.
  • Drunk or Drug Driving – Driving under the influence is a crime in New Zealand. Compulsory breath testing is part of the law here, as is drug impairment testing. If you’re found to be over the limit you will lose your license immediately and be subject to conviction and a fine.
  • Any act of assault or theft is a violation of the law. You may be charged in court and face prison time.
  • Public and Private – your right to privacy Kiwiburn is a state of mind, an extremely interactive environment. Many distinctions between what is private and what is public tend to soften and disappear. However, Kiwiburn is also subject to local and national laws. If you violate these laws you may be subject to arrest.
  • If a law enforcement representative requests to enter your home – in this case your tent or your campervan – you do not have to admit them unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. However, with probable cause and in some emergency situations (for example, when a person is screaming for help inside, when the police are chasing someone, or when an officer witnesses illegal activity occurring within your home) they are allowed to enter and search your domicile without a warrant. Both sight and scent of illegal activity may be held by a court to represent probable cause.
  • Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, police can search you, your property or your vehicle without a warrant, as long as they have reason to believe there is illegal drug activity taking place.
  • If police wish to question you, you only have to supply them with your name and address. You are not required to answer any of their questions unless you have been arrested and charged. Even then you are entitled to have a lawyer present when making a statement.

However, if you are approached by police, please remember that they are there for a reason and do a very good job. New Zealand police are generally pretty good people, and being polite and helpful will stand you in good stead for any further dealings you may have with them.