Tell us about your role:
I volunteer as one of the website crew. When there are changes and updates to make, I chip in with a little pruning here, weeding there – keep the words growing healthily, the links linking, etc!
What made you want to volunteer for a year round role? And what would you say to anyone considering it?
Kiwiburn is something special to me, and I knew I had to get involved somehow. I looked at the various roles, considered some of the on site roles, but made my choice for a year round instead. Being able to contribute at my own pace around disability and parenting was a huge factor! Finally, I happened to have а little background in what was required. And there we have it! I say this to anyone thinking about kiwiburn, and volunteering: give it a go! Get into the spirit, soak up the sun and good vibes if you’re volunteering on site. Dive into collaborating with the other humans behind the scenes if you’re volunteering year round. Know that playing a part in creating this experience is appreciated by default
When you’re not doing KB stuff, how do you spend your time?
What on earth am I doing?? Oh, that’s right! | love to tend my garden and decorate my various houses… in the pixel realm! I play an online multiplayer cosy game and it makes me SO HAPPY. Just like KB, it’s a community, and we make it fun *together.* My whānau is made up of one human son and 3 cats. This leaves very little space in the bed for me. KB actually gave me a fantastic opportunity when I had my son with me the first year attending. We talked about consent, appropriate spaces for nudity, body shapes and sizes and all sorts. As a parent, I jumped on the chance to nurture some feminist narrative and what I hope is a healthy attitude!
How did you get involved with Kiwiburn?
Remember when you were in your late teens/ early twenties, and you went to all the cool festivals and music stuff and shit? I don’t. I missed my chance to go to things like Twisted, Rhythm & Vines, etc. So I started asking around about family friendly ones, and heard about KB. That sat in my mind quietly for a few years, until I met a dear group of friends who are burners! But… I actually had heard about KB when I was younger. The way my friends described the experience… the Temple is what I vividly recall them telling me about. It put a little spark in my spiritual heart, and that sparkled brightly when I found my new friends years later.
What’s your favourite thing about being part of this amazing community?
This community, this setting, it helps bring out the best in me. The best *for* me. And I think I bring a few sweet things to it with smiles and care and friendship. What’s your favourite Paddock moment? *Scratches head* my favourite moment? Goodness, that’s tricky to decide on. When I’m at the burn, I AM AT THE BURN. I am in each moment. A true highlight was my first burn, 2024, dancing in the disco lights with my son in our oodies, and seeing him let loose. Such a happy bean! Seeing people happy, relaxed, excited, having fun; it brings me joy. There was also a stand out moment at this year’s burn (2025). I arrived (solo this time) and straight away, a neighbour bounced over and said “Hey, want a hand setting up your tent?”And you know what happened? The wind grabbed my tent as we were setting up, and it hit against the car, breaking off the rear wiper. That awesome human helped me wrestle the tent back into place and finish up. My hero!!
What skills have you learned by being involved with Kiwiburn?
KB reinforces skills that are crucial for a healthy life. Resilience. Being in the moment. Taking time out when needed. Listening to my body. Also it serves as a refresher, and source of new information, to think of consent. To think about how we treat each other. KB is also a great place to learn how to deal with water and tents, LOL. What are you most excited about for Kiwiburn 2026? I CAN’T WAIT! I am brimming with excitement to get back onto the paddock. Fizzing with anticipation. I am most excited to meet my KB volunteer crew! I have hugs (if accepted) stored up for you folks, and ears for listening, and a mouth to bring giant smiles
Say howdy to Briaane!
