Another installation of our Behind-The-Scenes series to introduce some of the crafty volunteers who make Kiwiburn happen.
Last week, Kiwiburn acknowledged a climate emergency facing our planet an committed to make the event become as sustainable and low impact as possible. In the first instance, this meant forming a brand new Sustainability Committee, and we’re very pleased to introduce you to the Chair for this group, Tom. He will be coordinating volunteers for the Sustainability team, and helping make the event as environmentally friendly as possible. Tom is still looking for volunteers to join the team, so if you’re interested, contact sustainability@kiwiburn.com to get in touch with him.
What does the Sustainability Committee role involve?
My role is to coordinate the Sustainability Team, and come up with a plan of action for the team. This being the first year the Sustainability Committee has run, we hope to collect all of the data we can on key areas related to environmental issues, such as how event attendees choose to get to Kiwiburn, how people are dealing with their waste items, how Theme Camps are generating power, etc. You may see us wandering around the Paddock or at the entry gate taking notes, but we are also keen to field any questions related to sustainability that you might have, or just have a general kōrero about greenie stuff with you.
How do you spend your time when you are not doing things related to Kiwiburn?
Being involved with Kiwiburn can take a lot of energy. How do you re-energise?
A leisurely stroll in a pristine natural setting on a hot summer’s day is a good start. Throw in some swimming and a couple cheeky G&Ts, and I’m well on my way to chillsville baby!
Do you have a favourite Burn outfit?
I am partial to a good pirate outfit.
What skills have you learned by being involved with Kiwiburn?
It’s my first year in this new role so I hope to pick up some learnings this year, but I have previously volunteered with the Rangers, which I really enjoyed. There was a good bit of learning about de-escalation of any heated interactions that was taught to us – thankfully I never had to use it, but was good to know nonetheless.
What has been your favourite moment at a Burn?
Kiwiburn 2015 – the whole event. That was my first Burn and I’ve been chasing the dragon ever since. The Greeters gave me a good paddling to welcome me in and smack away any notion of normality that may have snuck in with me. From then on in it was five days of pure magic.
What are you most excited about for Kiwiburn 2020?
The starting of a new, greener, chapter for the event. New decade, new Kiwiburn!
