Eco Zone & Creative Hub

Aho Tahi Collective offers locally made woven Māori crafts using natural fibres like harakeke, alongside interactive weaving demonstrations and kōrero on sustainable harvesting and connections to whenua.

Arts Whakatāne will be running hands‑on creative sessions throughout the day, inviting festival‑goers of all ages to explore their artistic side. Bob Stirk will run fine‑line drawing and pattern‑making activities, while Sue Whale will guide oil pastel drawings of plants and animals on black paper.

DOC advocates for the taiao by serving pest animals, cooked and shared free of charge, to raise awareness of how high pest numbers impact native species and ecosystems.

HALO is joining the Eco Zone to connect with the community through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations about conservation. Come chat with them about their trapping network, volunteering opportunities, and how you can support pest control efforts at home.

Whakatāne Kiwi Trust promotes biodiversity and conservation through education, engaging kids with games, encouraging volunteers, and raising local awareness to protect our native kiwi.