First of all – what does the Infrastructure Facilitator role involve?
Things… and bits and bobs obviously – but mostly things… and more importantly enabling the people who do the things, so we can have things on the Paddock. Kiwiburn is unique in that the organising body try to keep the things we provide on Paddock minimal so the community engages with what they want to have at each event. But we also feel it’s our role to provide essential things like toilets and medics, and services that aid the community in their collective vision, such as Artery, Depot, and Centre Camp. Town Planning and Surveying ensures the things go in the best places, while the Leave No Trace team take note of all the things left behind that shouldn’t have been, not-so-fondly referred to as MOOP (Matter Out Of Place).
All these people working together have me as liaison – to come to when they need information or for a contact they haven’t yet made.
How do you spend your time when you are not doing things related to Kiwiburn?
Not related to Kiwiburn? Life is Kiwiburn and Kiwiburn is life! Even when planting trees (offsetting my trips to Hunterville), being a dad to young adults (baby Burners) or farriering my horses (decadent Art Vehicles), I’m still on some level burning!
Being involved with Kiwiburn can take a lot of energy. How do you re-energise?
Prioritising time with my partners. The odd bit of yoga and rollerblading help.
Do you have a favourite burn outfit?
I, like many Burners, have a massive variety in the wardrobe. My favourite piece right now is a “Slut Dragon” Tshirt my daughter gave me for Xmas which I don’t normally wear to the local small town 4square!
What skills have you learned by being involved with Kiwiburn?
I’m having to really step up my time management and ability to pick up the phone in any circumstance (when there’s a cell signal). I’ve already learnt a lot about national building codes, electrical transformers and pheasant farming and am looking forward to the steep learning curve offered by this role.
What has been your favourite moment at a Burn?
I led the Sanitation team at KB21. There were so many great moments working with such an enthusiastic bunch of people, but the best moment – because it challenged me – was when someone asked what we were doing? I replied in revelry, “cleaning up your shit girl” to which they then grilled me about presuming their identity. I love the continual opportunities for self reflection and growth in such a strong and diverse community.
What are you most excited about for Kiwiburn 2023?
The composting toilet trial – it’s been a long time coming and has the potential to change the face… I mean ass… of Kiwiburn. I love this shit!
