Hear from more changemakers making a difference – watch another episode.

 

In this episode of From the Ground Up:

  • You’ll discover how the accessibility program LUMAbility is creating an inclusive experience for individuals with diverse needs.

  • Meet the LUMAteers, the enthusiastic volunteers whose dedication brings the festival to life.

  • Learn how DISHrupt, LUMA’s zero waste initiative, is leading the way in sustainable events by eliminating single-use products and encouraging reusable solutions.

 

The LUMA Southern Light Project is an annual light-based event that transforms Queenstown Gardens into a dazzling, immersive wonderland. Tim Buckley, LUMA Light Festival trustee, captures its essence: "LUMA is an event for everyone, giving people an opportunity to look, find, and be rewarded by their inquisitive nature."

LUMA is not just about lights; it’s about inclusivity and sustainability. Over the years, LUMA has developed several impactful initiatives, such as the zero waste program DISHrupt, the schools program, the LUMA Emerging Artists Program, and LUMAbility.

 

LUMAbility is an initiative set up with Queenstown Airport that focuses on making the event accessible to people with diverse needs and allows participants to explore the installations before the event opens to the wider public.
This unique, tailored experience is brought to life with the help and passion of Sunny Sky, LUMAbility’s Project Manager. "We don't want anybody to feel like they are missing out. We are really trying to create a space that's not just about the artwork but also about the community bringing everyone together," says Sunny.

The success of Luma heavily relies on its dedicated volunteers, known as LUMAteers. This year, over 190 volunteers have come together to create the magic of LUMA. "We've got people that are here now for the seventh or eighth year, and they've come back every time. They just enjoy the vibe and get to meet new people. LUMA really wouldn't be possible without them," Tim acknowledges.

 

Since 2017, LUMA has partnered with Sustainable Queenstown to develop the DISHrupt plan, which aims to minimise waste by eliminating single-use items and promoting reusable dishware. "We are trying to divert as much waste from landfill as possible, so no single-use cups are allowed and there’s nothing in the event that can't be washed or recycled," says Tim.

DISHrupt has had a significant impact, with tens of thousands of single-use items saved from landfills by the end of the event. The initiative has inspired both vendors and eventgoers to rethink their approach to sustainability at events. "DISHrupt offers a variety of dishware that you can use at your event. A lot of people are on board and love it. Vendors don't have to worry about any dishes. It's actually a reduced cost for them as well because they don't have to provide all the cups and containers. The cool thing about DISHrupt is that it's a trust, so all of that money that goes into Disrupt goes back to the community," Meg Glenn, DISHrupt Coordinator explains.

LUMA is dedicated to maintaining its values and proving that thoughtful events are achievable. "We've got some quite strong values. Sometimes they're hard to maintain, but it's worth it. We think that if we get it right and show that it can be done, maybe other events will look at what we're doing and see that it actually is the right way to go," Tim concludes.

 

Find out more about LUMA Southern Lights Festival on their website. 

 

From The Ground Up video series digs deep into the stories of local businesses building a regenerative future within the Queenstown community. From pioneering world-firsts to grassroots initiatives, each episode celebrates those making a difference to the environment and their communities, from the ground up.

 

Hear from more changemakers making a difference to Queenstown’s environment and community – watch another episode.