We’re super stoked to introduce our sensational new Site Safety Facilitator, James! James has the super important job of ensuring that Kiwiburn operates a safe and compliant environment so we – the participants and volunteers – can be kept safe during our time on the Paddock. Chur James!
Firstly, what does the Site Safety Facilitator role involve?
As Site Safety Facilitator I help a lot of very skilled team leads in the Safety Department in whatever capacity they need so they can do their thing. That includes physical health and safety, fire safety; both the big Burns and fire Art, medics, mutant vehicles/Art cars, fuel storage and Rangers. This means I have some amazing people I support who, if everything runs smoothly, no one actually sees because they’re keeping us all safe from behind the scenes so we can all let loose and have fun!
What made you decide to volunteer for a year round role?
After a few Burns and volunteering in a bunch of different capacities I found myself, as many others do in the Burner community, trying to figure out how I can give more back to the community that I get so much out of. I figured the best way to do that would be to utilise my real-life skills and experience in health and safety and apply that to the Burn. Turns out we were missing a Health and Safety Facilitator so I applied!
How do you spend your time when you are not doing things related to Kiwiburn?
If I’m not working or doing something related to Kiwiburn or working then you’ll usually find me cutting shapes on the dancefloor at a drum and bass gig/doof/festival. My happy place is dancing barefoot under the stars.
Being involved with Kiwiburn can take a lot of energy. How do you re-energise?
Usually with some friends planning out the next Burn-related thing we want to do. It sounds counterintuitive but I find looking forward to the next big thing we’ve got going on gets me so excited and filled with energy to do it!
Do you have a favourite Burn outfit?
To be honest I usually go with comfort over style at the Burn so you’ll find me stuck on the dancefloor in my favourite oversized hoodie until I inevitably get too sweaty and end up in shorts and a shirt.
What skills have you learned by being involved with Kiwiburn?
I’ve learned to just relax and accept whatever comes my way. I’ve always been a planner and like to be organised in what’s going on so even after my first Burn I learned to plan little and just be ready to experience anything whenever it happens. Immediacy right?
What has been your favourite moment at a Burn?
My favourite moment has to be at my first Burn. I had been there for 10 days for setup as Crew Support and was highly anticipating when the actual event would start. On the first day I was just walking around checking out all the Theme Camps, I didn’t really know what to expect. Then I hear a ruckus over a loudspeaker and I get lured over to Raspberry Beret. They had barely set up but there was Omri going on about ROBOT WARS, I was intrigued to say the least. So I sat around watching them set up and before I knew it there were people wearing ski boots on stilts battling each other with cattle prods! It was so wild and so beyond the scope of what I was expecting I loved it! I’ve learned to never have expectations since, because you literally NEVER know what is going to happen on the Paddock!
What are you most excited about for Kiwiburn 2023?
Being on the Paddock and seeing so many people I only get to see there! I missed Kiwiburn 2021 due to burning out at Ignition and because of you-know-what there was no Kiwiburn 2022. So it’ll be 3 years since I’ve been to the Paddock and I can’t wait to get back there!
What would you say to anyone considering volunteering for a year round role?
There are actually so many different roles that are available for people to contribute to Kiwiburn. I had no idea until I actually applied and saw for myself. I think people don’t realise that any skills they have are applicable! When everything is run by volunteers then there are a plethora of different things to do. So even if you just have skills in admin, have a look at what roles are being advertised and apply! It’s a very rewarding way to give back to the community that we all love so much <3
Image credit: Ümit Yıldırım
