Thursday, 09 October 2025 14:25

Ripe Wanaka named NZ’s top sustainable event

Written by Staff Reporters

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The waste-free Ripe Wanaka Wine and Food Festival won Sustainability Event of the Year at the New Zealand Events Association Awards this year, while Festival Director Nathan White was named Emerging Event Professional of the Year.

The 2025 Ripe Festival used reusable service ware, comprehensive recycling and composting systems, and partnerships with local sustainability organisations to minimise the festival’s environmental footprint.

“Creating waste-free festivals isn’t just about logistics,” Nathan says. “It’s about reshaping the culture of events in New Zealand.”

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