It’s a series of community-led events and activations that showcase practical climate solutions and climate mahi happening around Pōneke. Its goal is to bring Wellingtonians together to learn, share, and take joyful climate action. Events may include workshops, exhibitions, hui, panels – anything our city’s incredible organisations can create to promote everyday climate actions for a safer and more resilient future.

The festival is funded through the Climate Action Support team’s BAU funding. Our team's kaupapa supports community-led climate action across Wellington and we work hard to keep costs low and make the most of community contributions and volunteer support.

Individual and collective community climate action is key to bringing down the city’s emissions, which we need to reduce by 57% by 2030 to reach the Council’s goals laid out in Te Atakura - First to Zero 2025 update. Since 2020, we have reduced emissions by 6% - we need to make more progress, and quickly.

Our latest Climate Action Monitor told us that 85% of Wellingtonians believe we need to act now to start reducing Wellington’s carbon emissions, and 86% believe climate impacts are already here.

The festival is about building resilience and supporting local communities. It helps people learn practical ways to save energy, reduce waste, and prepare for the future - things that can save people money in the short-term and strengthen our economy over time.

We have heard from our communities that they value chances to connect in person and to work together on creative solutions. The festival is a strategic progression of our work to facilitate these opportunities and support grassroots connection and action.

Event hosts and organisers will decide on specific entry costs to their activities; however, we will aim to support them to make them free or low-cost so everyone can take part. We want the festival to be accessible and welcoming, without burdening the organisers.

The festival creates opportunities for local groups and businesses, encourages collaboration, and promotes solutions that can reduce costs and improve wellbeing in the long term. Climate actions deliver co-benefits such as cleaner air, healthier communities, lower energy costs, and stronger local economies.

Our latest Climate Action Monitor told us that only 54% of Wellingtonians feel confident that enough action is being taken to reduce carbon emissions. This project is designed to strengthen our work by enabling and profiling organisations already driving change, engaging new groups and individuals, and introducing joyful climate actions and their co-benefits to our communities.

You can attend, volunteer, or even host an activity. Community groups and organisations can submit an Expression of Interest to be part of the program. Please contact kate.kirkwood3@wcc.govt.nz for more information.